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t 


NDEI\ THE pMPIP^E; 


OR, THE 


Story of Madelon: 


BY 



NORFOLK, VA., 

JAMES BARRON HOPE & CO., PUBLISHERS. 

1878. 


COPYRIGHT SECURED— ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 


A WORD TO THE READER. 


Ordinarily, a preface to a little book like this would 
be out of place, but there are one or two circumstances 
which justify me in claiming the attention of the 
reader for a moment. 

This trifle — confessedly sensational in name and 
structure — was intended as a holiday book, but the 
best laid plans of authors and mice are not unfre- 
quently deranged. Delay in securing the ^aper 
needed, and an error as to the kind ordered, threw the 
Story of Madelon out of the Christmas market, since 
when it has been printed very leisurely. 

So much for its late appearance, and now one other 
word : The original exists in the shape of a MS. 
play — duly copyrighted — and this will account for the 
lack of color in the work, as also for its “ stagey ” 
treatment in certain passages. 

■ With this introduction, which I could hardly have 
made shorter, I submit the Story of Madelon to the 
public, with the remark, that, as Bulwer says, the 
highest compliment you can pay a man is to buy his 
book.” 


Norfolk, Va., February 15, 1878. 


J. B. H. 


“ Well ! it is now publique, and you wil stand for your priui- 
ledges we know : to read and censure. Do so, but buy it first. 
* * * * ludge your sixe pen’orth, your shillings worth at a 

time, or higher, so you rise to the iust rates and welcome. But 
whateuer you do. Buy." 


/ 


$ 


9 






N 





CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

CHAPTER I. 

An Unpremeditated Duel with Buttons on the Foils, 9 
CHAPTER 11. 

Showing why Louis Marot called on Pierre Deslond, 23 
CHAPTER III. 


Half Monkey, Half Tiger ’’ 28 

CHAPTER IV. 

A New Actor comes upon the ScAne 40 

CHAPTER V. 


A Chapter which is short, but long enough, however, 
to admit of a fine display of true courage by 
M. Louis Marot 46 i 


CHAPTER VI. 

Madame, je vous avoue que je suis surpris, et que 

je ne vous attendais pas ici 50 

CHAPTER VII. 

62 i 


What some of his Friends said of Him 


CONTENTS. 


7 


CHAPTEE VIIL 

Monsieur Lavoisoii makes some Enquiries into the 

Family History of the Fencing Master 66 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Fencing Master’s Visitors 75 

CHAPTER X. 

Lavoison sends a Letter to Bellevue 85 

CHAPTER XL 

The Fencing Master prepares to change his Quarters, 90 
CHAPTER XII. 

A Wasp among the Roses 96 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The Penalty 110 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Monsieur Lavoison shows Himself to be a Man of 

Atfairs 116 

CHAPTER XV. 

Hie victor repono caestus artemque 122 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Madame Baudin Attends to a Piece of Business 131 

CHAPTER XVII. 

How Madelon was Inspired by a Sudden Thought. .141 


8 


CONTENTS, 


CHAPTER XVJII. 

Miidelon Chooses her Career 147 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Five Months After 153 

CHAPTER XX. 

A Glimpse of Marot 158 

CHAPTER XXL 

A Ship Comes Home from Sea 162 

CHAPTER XXII. 

The Plotter 169 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

The Play 176 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Is all our Company here ? 187 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Under the Trees 194 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Fate sums up the Case 202 


Under the Umpire 


Je mu8 Vai deja dit: tout le secret des armes ne consiste qu'en 
deux choses, a d&nner et a ne point recevoir; et, comme je vous fis 
eoir V autre jour par raison demonstrative, il est impossil le que vous 
receviez si vous savez detourner Vepee de votre ennemi de la ligne de 
votre corps; ce qui ne depend seulemsnt que d'un petit momement 
du poignet, ou en dedans, ou en dehors. ” 

— Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. 


CHAPTER I. 

AN UNPREMEDITATED DUEL WITH BUTTONS ON THE 

FOILS. 

In the days when the great Napoleon was treating 
the crowned heads of Europe very much as Moliere s 
Maitre d'Arms did the Masters of Music, Philosophy, 
and Dancing — that is, illustrating his power 'per raison 
demonstrative — there lived in a narrow street of Paris 
an old soldier who gave lessons in the art of fencing. 
His school was well attended, because, while the pupils 
admired their Master, they admired his fair daughter 
Madelon still more. 

In those days the noble art of running your neighbor 


10 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


through the midriff was extensively cultivated by all 
civilized people as a necessary part of a liberal educa- 
tion, and the school of Pierre Deslond was rarely 
without a throng of young Frenchmen, ambitious to 
excel in this manly accomplishment. 

The gloomy hall where he gave his lessons was hung 
round with foils, masks, and plastrons, the effect of 
which was rendered picturesque by a liberal display 
of tri-colored ribbons, arranged by the hands of his 
daughter. 

The morning soon shone upon the yellow walls, and 
the gay-colored streamers, grouped about the imple- 
ments of the Fencing Master’s art vindicated, in their 
warmth of color, the taste of the fair young creature 
by whom they had been arranged. Otherwise the 
room looked bare, and spoke of poverty. 

In the midst of this apartment stood the old soldier. 
His profession was indicated alike in his dress and 
action, and the time had been when few handsomer 
fellows could be found under the tri-color than Pierre^ 
His figure was erect, his grey hair ample, his brown 
cheelis had a deep color, almost hectic in its flush, 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


11 


and his brilliant black eyes glowed with an unextin* 
guished fire. 

Suddenly he took down a foil, and drew himself up 
in a stately attitude. Then slowly and with profound 
gravity he saluted an imaginary antagonist, and called 
out in a loud voice : garde^ Monsieur /” 

Then, with incredible fire and agility, the old man 
engaged the antagonist conjured up by his own fancy. 
This combat with the air he continued for some minr 
utes, with a grotesque fervor that made him look like 
a French Quixote, mad on the subject of fencing. 

At last he paused, drew a long breath, and as an 
expression of deep sadness settled on his face, Pierre 
Deslond spoke aloud : Ah, old man, your force fails 
you ! Your limbs move like the lock of a rusted 
musket.’' 

His tone was pathetic. It was the lament over his 
lost youth ; but it was something more; It conveyed 
the cares of an anxious and tender father — for as his 
head sank upon his breast he continued : '^And what, 
then, becomes of Madelon when I can no longer wield 
a foil?” 


12 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


This mournful soliloquy was interrupted by a nt of 
coughing, in the midst of which a door opened and his 
daughter stepped into the room. 

Her close fitting gown, of dark blue stufi*, showed 
her graceful figure from drooping shoulders to well- 
arched instep. Her eyes were dark and soft and 
tender, and her cheeks of a warm rose-color. Her 
hair was lustrous and thick, and her mouth as frank 
and sweet as that of a little child. Madelon was fair 
in face and graceful in person, but her chief charm 
was in her innocent expression. 

For a moment she stood in the doorway, which 
made a gloomy frame for so bright a picture ; then she 
came forward and laid her hand upon the old man’s 
arm. Looking up at the Fencing Master, she said : 

^^You are not well to-day. Put off your lessons. 
Oome, now, be a good father, and listen to Madelon.” 

The old man stroked her glossy hair and kissed her 
forehead before he answered : 

^‘Not so, my child! I must work-— every day is 
precious, and if I shut up my school one day, Mon 
Dieu! the school may shut up itself next.” 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


13 


And the Fencing Master smiled gaily at his own 
conceit. 

But,” continued the girl, I can help you ; if you 
will but lets me work for you your task will not be so 
hard.” 

As she said this, the fair young creature looked up 
in Pierre's face with a smile of inexpressible tender- 
ness. 

Ah, you would work for me !” said the old man, 
dropping his foil and placing both hands on her shoul- 
ders, as he looked down fondly in her upturned face 
'^Ah, my child ! it is little that such hands as yours 
could do !” 

Oh !” cried Madelon, ^‘you are wrong. The good 
Sisters taught me many things, and they told me that 
my lace was beautiful — that was the word — that I 
might be able to sell much of it, and so help us to live.” 

An angry flush mounted to the Fencing Master's 
cheeks as he answered : ^'And so the 'good Sisters' put 
this notion in your head, did they ? May the devil 
take them !” 

. An expression of pain came into Madelon's face; she 


14 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


stretched out her hands and cried : “Take back that 
wish !" 

“To please you, yes ; and since I think of it, the 
Sisters are good women. After all, it is only the 
Priests I hate.” 

“And why, my father ? They have done no harm 
to us.” 

“ Done us no harm ! Done France no harm ! I 
am not so certain of that. I knew them for fellows 
not to be trusted. They are knaves and hypocrites, 
Here’s that Father Felix, a miserable drone in the 
hive; but he sets all the women crazy with sham 
charities and soft words !” 

What the girl would have/ said, by way of reply, 
was cut short by the entrance of two new actors on 
the scene. These men had never met before; they 
had hardly looked at each other in entering the hall, 
but Fate had bound their destinies together, and to- 
day they encountered each other to begin the drama 
for which they had been cast. 

The first who entered was Monsieur Alphonse Des- 
selais. He was the son of a rich contractor, and his 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


15 


-chief ends in life were to excel in fashion and escape 
the conscription. He was fantastically dressed, and 
deported himself with insufferable arrogance. In 
person he was small, but was easy to see that he 
was a great personage in his own estimation. 

The man who followed him was in a military frock, 
apparently a subaltern officer, and a straight-forward, 
frank-looking soldier was Louis Marot. 

As these two men entered the hall, the old Fencing 
Master bent forward and kissed his daughter, not 
heeding the new comers. This sweet and tender scene 
excited the humor of Desselais, who, coming forward, 
cried out, “Ah, Monsieur Deslond, I see the old war- 
horse has not forgotten the scent of new hay I” 

“ This girl,” said Pierre, “is my daughter Madelon, 
and you jest of her at the peril of broken bones.” 

Without heeding the stern address of the old soldier, 
Desselais cried out, in affected surprise : “And it is 
you, Madelon, is it ? I was blinded by the change 
from the light without. Had I seen your face I could 
have fallen into no error, for it is engraved upon my 
heart : I swear to you it is !” 


16 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


This speech was accompanied by a smile, which the 
amiable Alphonse , condescended to make in a happy 
combination of insolence and idiocy. 

Turning from him with a cold and stately air — the 
air which a pure woman unconsciously assumes in the 
presence of a libertine — Madelon moved towards the 
archway by which she had entered. Nothing daunted, 
Desselais sprang forward ; the old soldier gripped the 
button of his foil, half inclined to break it off and run 
his pupil through; but Marot, anticipating the man 
of fashion, stepped forward, threw open the door, and 
Madelon disappeared. 

Unabashed, Alphonse kissed his hand and cried out . 
after the fugitive : ‘^Ah, Madelon ! you do not forgive 
me — revenge should perish in such a bosom as yours !” 

Then he kissed his hand again and made a grimace 
which was intended for a captivating expression of 
gaiety. From his contemplation of the door, for to this 
his fine speech and graceful gestures had in reality 
been delivered, he turned to Marot and surveyed him 
insolently from head to foot. 

At this moment the speech which he meditated was 


OE, THE STOEY OF MADELON. 


IT 


cut short by the Fencing Master, who looked him in. 
the face with eyes so full of meaning that his own fell 
under the soldier’s gaze. Monsieur Desselais,” he- 
said, ^'you have seen a good girl” — 

I am prepared to swear it !” cried Alphonse. 

^^And of a sweet temper, but not one to listen to> 
fine speeches. Forget I have a daughter.” 

Desselais fell back before the severe glance of the 
Maitre d’Arms, who turned to Marot with a grave 
and stately air, saying, ^^And you. Monsieur, what can 
I have the pleasure of doing for you ?” 

^‘My story is soon told,” said the youth, ^‘I came to= 
profit by your instructions. A soldier cannot know 
too much of his trade.” 

'^Ah !” cried Deslond with enthusiasm, That is 
well said ! A true soldier cannot know too much of 
his trade! And you have seen service, too; that is 
good also !” 

“ Yes, I have served under the Eagles. I was first 
under fire in Italy as a lad.” 

^^And your name, comrade, your name ?” cried;. 
Deslond, embracing him with sudden warmth. 


18 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


“ Louis Marot, a name little known, but one borne 
•on the pauster-rolls of France." 

^'You are thrice welcome, Comrade." And again 
the Fencing Master embraced his new pupil. 

At this moment a tumultuous crowd of gay young 
men poured into the room ; at their head came Dr. 
Lavoison, a young surgeon, whose chief end in life, as 
he assured his friends, was to cultivate a good diges- 
tion. The troop saluted the Fencing Master in chorus : 
^^Ah, how does my brave friend ? How fares Captain 
Deslond ? 

With these and a score ot other questions and com- 
pliments the Fencing Master’s pupils gathered about 
'Mm. The old man was now radiant with delight : the 
event of the day for him was now about to begin. 
There was much trampling of feet and rattling of steel 
as the fencers prepared themselves for the contest. 

Desaelais, who had been silent since his rebuke, 
now came forward, and with mock solemnity addressed 
himself to Marot. The tone in which he spoke was 
one of studied insolence. Clearly these men were in 
>a fair way to become enemies. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELOtT. 


19 


Monsieur,” he said, “ may I beg that one whose 
name is borne on the rolls of France will condescend 
to cross swords with me.” 

I may judge of your manner,” replied Marot, 
the condescension is on your side ; but I am at your 
command.” 

You are very gracious,” cried Desselais. It is 
an honor to meet a hero of Italy on such familiar 
terms. Will you be so good as to take your plastron 
and mask. 

I shall leave them on the wall.” 

*^Take my advice: you will need them.” 

That we shall see.” 

I give you fair warning. I am a hard hitter.” 
During this dialogue the Fencing Master and his 
pupils, lately so noisy, had grown silent. The two 
men had surrounded themselves with a sinister atmos- 
phere, which had made itself felt by the entire corn- 
company. What they thought in a vague way- was 
partly expressed by Dr. Lavoison, who said to his 
neighbor, the rosy-cheeked Henri : Here has been 
some sharp-tongue fencing already. Let us see if it 


20 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


is not followed by some hard hitting. Faith, the 
stranger seems to know his business!” 

Desselais glared through the wires of his mask like 
a rat in a cage. Marot stood like a piece of Greek 
sculpture. 

The Fencing Master renewed his youth. The silent 
company gathered in a ring about the combatants. 
They saluted. They engaged. The click and whirr 
of the slender steel blades rose with a clean, pene- 
trating sound above the trampling of feet, and the 
spectators felt their cheeks growing hotter as the 
quick thrusts and passes were exchanged. Desselais 
was a good swordsman, but it was plain that he had 
met his master. The coolness of his antagonist in- 
flamed his anger, and he delivered his thrusts with 
fury, grinding out an oath now and then between his 
teeth. 

^^Is it not superb!” cried the Fencing Master. 

Listen to the music of the steel ! Ah ! Comrade 
you did not fight in Italy without learning some- 
thing ! ” 

At each of his furious assaults Desselais felt that 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


21 


his failures were received with pleasure by the spec- 
tators. He grew mad with rage. The blood rushed to 
his head. He plunged forward determined to make the 
hit of which he had boasted in advance. A loud shout 
I of laughter rang in his ears, and he found himself 
half stunned upon the floor. As his senses came to 
him he beheld the face of Madelon in the doorway, 
and then tears of rage shut out the picture. Never 
had there been such an uproar in the hall before. The 
laughter seemed to Desselais to be unending. Without 
voice, and trembling in every limb, he regained his 
feet. His eyes no longer glittered like those of a rat; 
they blazed like those of a tiger. As he gained the 
door a peal of laughter, more uproarious than any 
which had before stabbed his vanity, broke upon his 
ears, but of the full reason of this mad shout the 
wretched Desselais was as yet in happy ignorance — 
in his fall his breeches had sufiered irreparable 
damage. 

As the gay company he left behind him regained 
their breath, they broke forth each one in congratula- 
tions to Marot, and in commentaries on Desselais, who 


22 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


was not the man to make friends among his associates, 
^^Ah I” cried one, Alphonse has always boasted his 
invincible attack. This exhibition of it was superb,’* 
^‘Yes/’ responded another, *'he went in medias res, 
and reminded me of a frog I once saw in the country, 
which jumped into a pond as I approached it — Alphonse, 
like the frog, went head foremost.” 

I think he said he was a hard hitter. Did he not ? 
And, faith, did he not make good his word? His 
head gave the floor a rap that made the walls shake.” 

''And,” cried Lavoison, "he went out of action like- 
a crippled frigate with a flag-of-truce flying at the 
poop. Come, let us follow him !” 

On this hint the laughing group poured out tumult- 
uously from the room, leaving Madelon, Marot and 
the Fencing Master in possession of the scene. 


I CHAPTER 11. 

I 

j SHOWING WHY LOUIS MAROT CALLED ON PIERRE 
DELOND. 

j 

! The loud and Merry laughter ceased, and the last' 
i sounds of retreating footsteps died away. The face of 
Pierre was still wet with involuntary tears called up- 
I to his bright eyes by the absurd disaster which had 
j overtaken Desselais. 

|| Madelon s lips were still parted by a smile, and her 
! black eyebrows arched in sympathy with her unspoken 
j question, for she but half understood the scene she 
j had witnessed. 

I Marot alone seemed occupied with the present. The 
I plastron, mask, and foil, which his antagonist had dashed 
I on the floor, he replaced methodically on the wall,, 
i Then he drew near the old man and his daughter. 

! Faith ! Comrade,’' cried Pierre, ^^you need no in- 
I struction from me ! You are my master, but I forgive* 
you freely ; your punishment of Desselais deserves our 
thanks. But where learned you that trick ? I have- 


24 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


practiced trips against scores and hundreds of men, 
but such as that I never saw ! You shot him across 
the floor as if he had been sent out of a mortar !” 

And overcome at the recollection of the scene, the 
Fencing Master broke forth in another peal of laughter. 
It was contagious; his companions joined him, and 
they laughed in chorus, none the less heartily because 
each one of the group realized — so quick sometimes 
are our intuitions — that their mirth was at the ex- 
pense of an enemy. 

Where learned I the trick ? In JSformandy. It 
is common there'among the village lads; but I should 
fear to try it with an old soldier like yourself.” 

Nay ! nay 1” cried the Fencing Master, I am 
like a sword rusted in the scabbard. The rheumatism 
has laid its hand upon my joints and I am no more 
fit for active service than a musket made by contract.” 

Then Madelon spoke. Her words were few, but 
they were animated by a pardonable pride. ^^And, 
father, you might plead your honorable wounds !” 

Marot started at her voice, and, as for the tone in 
which she spoke — imagine a violet turned into a bell 


1 OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 26 

I 

and rung with a silver hammer. It smote at once the 
, ears and heart of the young soldier. 

‘^What!” cried the old man, “you here! You 
must within. Monsieur and myself will talk here. 

ii Kiss me, my child, and go.” 

ii 

J At this Marot stepped forward, his carriage erect, 
his eyes clear and honest, his face reddened with a 
I blush. Evidently he had something of gravity to say, 

' and he spoke quickly, in the tone of a man who knew 
: his own purpose : 

“ Hold 1 ” cried Marot, “I am a plain man, not 
I courtier enough to make fine speeches, but I know how 
to tell the truth. I did not visit you so much to 
handle a foil as to speak of your daughter. You see 

f 

^ I am outspoken 1” 

I The old man drew back, and his face lost its color, 
j but he made no reply. He was stunned and bewil- 
I dered. As for Madelon, her face was red with blushes 
; and her eyes cast down. 

j “ Yes,” continued Marot, “ I came to speak of your 
I daughter. We are almost acquaintances.” 


26 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


These words shot a strange pang through the old 
man’s heart, as he exclaimed : 

Almost acquaintances ! That is strange.” 

Madelon,” said the soldier, '^do you remember my 
face?” 

She looked up with her frank, bright eyes, and an- 
swered : '^Yes, I remember.” 

Comrade,” cried the old man, growing still paler 
and trembling a little as he spoke : You have ex- 
cited me. I am no lover of mysteries ; speak out. 
What does this.mean ?” 

Nay, there is no mystery,” answered Marot, still 
looking at Pierre with an honest glance; “ there is no 
mystery. My regiment was once quartered near the 
villa of M. Baudin. I saw your daughter on her last 
visit to her friends. Since that I have seen her in 
Paris. She is well spoken of. I admire her. My 
intentions are worthy your confidence. I have a 
modest fortune. You have the whole story.” 

Before Marot had made an end of his speech, which, 
rugged and abrupt as it was, fell like music on the 
young girl’s ears, she had disappeared within the 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


27 


doorway ; but be spoke in a loud tone, and she beard 
bim to tbe end. 

Tbe old soldier was painfully agitated. He was be- 
wildered and depressed. Tbe fear wbicb be bad reso- 
lutely put away, bad been suddenly tbrust upon bim. 
Tbe compliment sounded almost like an injury. He 
passed bis band across bis forebead and looked at 
Marot with wistful eyes. Young man,” said be, 
‘'you bave an bonest face.” 

"And I trust an bonest heart.” 

Then tbe Fencing Master turned away with a sigb : 
"Go,” be said, " leave me awbile, I must bring myself 
to tbink of this, and tbe girl bas to be consulted— a 
good, sweet girl !” and tbe old soldier moved further 
from bis companion, to bide tbe tears with wbicb bis 
cheek was wet. When be looked up be was alone : 
Marot bad noiselessly departed. Then tbe Fencing 
Master disappeared within, in search of Madelon. 


CHAPTEE, III. 


^^HALF MONKEY, HALF TIGER.” 

When the pupils of the Fencing Master reached- 
the street Desselais was still visible, and apparently 
unconscious of the aptness of the figure in which it 
had been hinted that his apparel was much the worse 
for his encounter. The shouts of his companions 
brought him to a halt, but his face was so inflamed 
with rage, and his gestures so full of fury, that a youth, 
somewhat wiser than his fellows, suggested that it was 
a pity to spoil so good a jest by turning it into 
earnest. 

But Dr. Lavoison, unheeding the hint, flew towards 
the exasperated son of the contractor. 

As he disappeared with his victim, Henri cried out : 
^^Adieu ! hot-head; to-morrow we shall find you at the 
hospital.” 

Such was the conclusion of the group, for Desselais, 


OR, THE STORY OP MADELON. 


29 


;as a man of fashion, had been engaged in several affairs 
beyond the barriers, and had proved himself a skillful 
swordsman. But of this the incorrigible Lavoison 
neither thought nor cared. 

1 Ignorant of prudence, he seized Desselais, and 
brought him to a halt by sheer superiority of strength* 
Then, affecting great exhaustion, he cried out: 

I ** Hold ! we have distanced the whole school ! Halt, 
oh ! most impetuous battering-ram ! Let me draw 
I breath !” 

I Desselais fairly trembled with rage, but there were 
! several reasons why he did not care to quarrel with 
I his reckless companion, and he was cool enough to feel 
I a painful curiosity to hear from Lavoison what had 

5 been said of his disaster. Hence his reply was more 

moderate than accorded with the scowl upon his face. 

Let us not trifle,’^ he said, I am in no mood for 
it.’* 

^Tray be amiable,” cried Lavoison, ^'and tell me 
;i what there is so offensive in my classic image of a bat- 

I tering-ram ?” 

I 

i There is this in it,” replied Desselais, you study 


so 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


to offend me, and I tell you if you persist in it, I will 
run you through!” and the irritated dandy swore 
frightfully as he spoke. 

** You must permit me to decline that honor,” re- 
plied the dector; ^^my trade is to heal wounds on 
others, not on myself, and your threat to such a friend 
as I have been to you is sheer ingratitude !” 

If you are itty friend, then leave me to myself. I 
tell you I am in no mood to be trifled with.” 

Dr. Lavoison’s face assumed an aspect of great so- 
lemnity ; he inflated his chest, and elevated his chin 
as he answered, rather as if by soliloquy than an ad- 
dress to his companion : If 1 am your friend — if in- 
sinuates a doubt, and the doubt wounds me. There is 
no hypothesis about it, for look you I Desselais, am I 
not poor ? Are you not rich ? Do I not borrow your 
money, drink your wine ? Are not these proofs of friend- 
ship ? You have had them in the past, and I am will- 
ing to sacrifice myself in the future, so if me no ifs.” 

Then, friend, leave me,” was the answer. 

You are ungrateful. I go. You will lament it, 
for you will never hear what was said of you when you 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELOtT. 


31 


disappeared. And Madelon was there; but I go. 
Adieu.’' 

Slowly Dr. Lavoison turned from his companion, 
but he had not removed a yard, when he felt the hand 
of Desselais upon his arm, and this question was hissed 
in his ear : 

^'And she was there ?” — then, with passion, to him- 
self — “ Yes, I saw her face. I see it now !” 

'*Yes,” replied Lavoison, ^^she saw it all; but, as a 
crowning proof of my friendship, I leave you.” 

** Hold ! not so !” cried his companion. Yes, I re- 
member. And so she witnessed my accident ?” 

^'Accident? You do well to call it by that name! 
You prove yourself to be a wise man. The world is a 
great believer in fine names. The self-same fact has 
a score of names ; each one finer as you go up in the 
scale of society. You are right to call it your — acci- 
dent.” 

“Yes,” cried Desselais, ** with eager volubility; 
“ yes, undoubtedly, an accident I You see, Lavoison, 
when I made my thrust the foot unluckily slipped, and 
so I got that damnable fall. Otherwise I had hit him 


32 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


fairly in the chest. Curse him ! I could tear him to 
tatters ! But he has not heard the last of this ! trust 
me for that !” And he stamped upon the ground to 
emphasize his threat. 

The aspect of the infuriated fop was so grotesque 
that Dr. Lavoison laughed aloud. 

''Are you an idiot cried Desselais. "Are you an ass, 
that you bray in this fashion ? At what do you laugh ?” 

" Is it possible that you are ignorant of the extent 
of your — accident ? When you left us they said you 
resembled — pardon me if I laugh — that you — Ha I 
Ha ! Ha ! — resembled a crippled frigate going out of 
action with a flag of truce flying at the poop. Do 
you understand 

As Desselais realized the allusion of his tormentor, 
the expression of his face showed how the scenes of 
the Devolution had been possible in France. The 
Devil, in personal command of a legion of evil spirits, 
seemed to look out through his eyes, as he whispered, 
with white lips : " Let us away to our lodgings ! I am 
sufficiently degraded already.” 

There was a concentration and depth in his passion. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


33 


which, for a moment, overawed his companion, who, 
as he said of himself afterwards, had “ looked through 
Desselais’ face rather deeper into hell than suited his 
fancy.” 

Turning into a narrow street of a dark and forbid- 
ding aspect, for those were the days of “ old Paris, 
they hurried along at a rapid gait, until Desselais 
recognized the gloomy house of which he was in 
search. He shot through the lodge, followed by the 
wondering gaze of the concierge j who, winking one eye 
at Dr. Lavoison, shrugged his shoulders, spread out 
his hands, elevated his eyebrows, and ejaculated in a 
confidential whisper : ^^Ah ! yes, I see Monsieur has 
a patient ! Mad ! yes, that is obvious ; but ” — here 
the concierge made a bow — ‘‘he must make a speedy 
recovery under Monsieur.” 

This speech, to which his companion was insensible, 
still further disturbed Dr. Lavoison 's equanimity, and 
he followed his friend toward the roof under which he 
lodged, laughing at the porter’s diagnosis. 

At the last landing place he found Desselais waiting 
for him. A great change has taken place in this 


34 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


young person’s appearance. He was grim, silent, con- 
centrated, and a wicked light shone in his eyes — a 
steady, fierce glow, full of a sinister meaning. 

Come,” said he, let us within ; I have need of 
you.” 

*^A thousand welcomes,” cried Lavoison, as he 
threw open the door of his apartment. 

This commanded a fine view of the tiles and chim- 
ney pots, and perpetually reminded him, as he said, 
of the adventures of the Spanish student pictured by 
Lesage.” 

The room contained a few chairs, a great array of 
books, a few retorts on a rickety table, which threat- 
ened to come down at any moment with its frail bur- 
then. An alcove, cut off from the room by an Indian 
screen, which had once been brilliant in grotesque fig- 
ures, accommodated the Doctor’s bed, and a cavern- 
ous closet contained his wardrobe. Desselais threw 
himself into a great chair, and groaned aloud. 

That,” cried Dr. Lavoison, is a good sign.” 

Your silent fellows are those who die under sharp 


surgery. 


OE, THE STOEY OF MADELON. 


35 


As he spoke he opened a buffet, and drew forth a 
bottle ; having flanked this with a couple of glasses, 
he proceeded to uncork it with exceeding care. His 
task ended, he threw himself into a chair and glanced 
at his companion : his look changed into a study. 

Peste r said he to himself, as he surveyed the si- 
lent dandy : he is a Voltarian Frenchman, half 
monkey, half tiger — distracted by the recollection 
of his torn breeches, and by a contemplated homi- 
cide. Yes, he divides himself between his tailor and 
his undertaker. Clearly, this is serious.” 

The expression of Desselais’ face and figure justi- 
fied these reflections. His gay apparel was disar- 
ranged. He crouched rather than sat in the chair, 
into which he had flung himself, and gnawed his nails 
in a fit of savage abstraction. 

Suddenly Desselais looked up, and encountered the 
gaze of his host. A flush mounted to his forehead. It 
was a mortification to undergo the inspection, and to 
relieve himself, he started to his feet. 

‘^You have had bad dreams,” said Lavoison, 
one may judge from the expression of your face.” 


^36 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


“ You are wrong,” cried Desselais, with energy ; 
** dreams of revenge are always pleasant.” 

^^Bali! let us forget it!” replied the Surgeon. 
^^Come I you have not tasted my wine. As an honest 
man, I cannot praise it, but we might find worse.” 

Forget it ? No. But the wine, yes — I will 
drink your health.” 

Desselais drained his glass like a man in a fever. 
-Lavoison sipped his with decorum. 

Now, then,” said his guest, make me more pre- 
sentable.” 

That will be my great pleasure,” replied the Doc- 
tor, throwing open his closet. Here you will find 
what may serve your purpose. 

Without further ceremony Desselais began to make 
a selection from the wardrobe of his friend. 

** Breeches are there,” said the Doctor, and stock- 
ings, I think ; yes, you will find stockings ; and, Des- 
. selais, a sumptuous gown, which my estimable aunt 
sent me on my birth-day. Array yourself, my friend, 
dike Solomon. All you behold is yours 1” 

Then, throwing himself back in his chair. Dr. La- 


OE, THE STOEY OF MADELON. 


37 ^ 

voison refilled his glass, nodded to the closet door 
which stood ajar, and continued, thinking aloud : 
precious apartment, truly, for the elegant Desselais. 
Faith ! I think my legs must be longer than his by ak 
least three inches. Here’s to the health of my virtu-^ 
ous and heroic friend — otherwise the battering-ram !” 

At this sentiment the head of Desselais appeared 
emerging from the closet, and he cried out in a sharp 
tone : ^'Ah ! what is that ?” 

'' I am drinking your health,” replied Lavoison 

May your success be equal to your merits ! Have 
you made your toilet ? Step forth man 1 Forward, 
march.” 

Obedient to the word of command, Desselais pre^ 
sented himself. His attitude was grotesque, his ap- 
pearance absurd. He blushed with shame and vexa- 
tion as he cried out : ^^Ah ! behold these breechee 
have to be rolled up till I look like a fisherman of 
Marseilles !” 

Dr. Lavoison surveyed him for a moment, and then 
fell, laughing, into the chair from which he had risen' 
to examine the man of fashion in his new costume. 


38 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


Desselais shuffled to the window and gazed out at 
the chimney pots through eyes dim with tears, for he 
felt himself the victim of a great misfortune. Posi- 
tively he found it necessary to snuffle and then to 
cough. These sounds arrested the mirth of Lavoison. 

Then Desselais spoke in a voice that trembled, and 
was almost sad. His words were uttered with dig- 
nity, and his hpst felt himself rebuked. Monsieur,” 
he cried, “ you violate your hospitality. I am your 
guest, and yet you study to offend me ; I should be 
an idiot not to understand it.” 

These words pierced the generous Lavoison, and he 
cried out : I study to offend you ? Not so. Pardon 
my laughter, and remember^have I not told you 
I am your friend ? Believe me I have no desire to 
feel cold steel under my ribs. Pish ! man, if you must 
quarrel, seek out the young soldier. It is his trade to 
ffght. My business is to heal wounds, not to make 
them.” 

In this speech the Doctor innocently applied the fire 
to the flax — the match to the powder. 

Desselais turned from the window, his cheeks red, 


OE, THE STOEY OF MADELON. 


39 


his eyes in a flame, and exclaimed, raising his clenched 
hand above his head : ‘^Yes, you have said it. You 
have spoken my resolve ! Seek him out ! Let there 
be no delay!” 

It was too late to reason. Lavoison saw this at a 
glance, and, shrugging his shoulders, drew forth a 
writing table, at which Desselais sat down with an air 
of savage exultation; in his fancy he had already 
killed Louis Marot. 

“ Make it brief,” said Lavoison, “and I will find 
your man ; but reflect before you send it that it is a 
serious thing to kill a fellow creature, and still more 
serious — to be killed oneself.” 

To this Desselais paid no regard, writing on to the 
end with a - steady hand. Then the two men read 
over the note. Dr. Lavoison thrust it into the breast 
of his coat, and sallied out in search of the young 
soldier. 


CHAPTER IV. 


A NEW ACTOR COMES UPON THE SCENE. 

Louis Marot was in happy ignorance of the storm he 
had raised in the bosom of Desselais, but even had he 
been aware of the sanguinary purpose of that person, 
he was professionally so enured to arms and dangers, 
that it would not have disturbed the smile with which 
he pursued his way on leaving the Fencing Master. 
As it was he walked free of care and full of' hope. 
The picture of the young girl whom he loved was 
in his mind. Fair as she was, with all a lover’s 
pardonable warmth of fancy, he exaggerated her 
charms, and it was this image which parted his lips 
with the pleasant smile they wore as he strode to- 
wards his quarters. He had forgotten Desselais. 

Suddenly, and while still within sight of the tall 
house where the Fencing Master taught and lived, 
four floors above the eonciergeriej Louis Marot felt a 
hand upon his arm. At the touch his picture dis- 
solved in air. The person who had joined him was an 


OR; THE STORY OF MADELON. 


41 


old man clad in a suit of brown. His eyes were 
bright, his step firm, and his cheeks ruddy. His face 
was remarkable for its repose. His air was that of a 
man who had spent his life in good thoughts, among 
good books, and in the midst of good actions. Marot’s 
friend, for such he evidently was, brought the young 
soldier to a halt, and their hands met in a warm grasp. 

*‘You here?" cried the old man. “I thought you 
were busy among the troops ?" . 

Yes, here I am, as you see ; and you ? what brings 
you here, and out of uniform ?" 

The old man smiled, as he answered : “ My troops 
are everywhere, and my uniform, as you call it, is not 
very popular, so that on some occasions it is con- 
venient and useful to lay it aside. But you have noi 
answered me : what brings you in this quartier T' 

“ It is a good omen that I met you," answered the 
youth, I will confess, and then. you shall advise me."' 

I am always ready to listen to my friends," said 
the old man, and the benevolence of his countenance’ 
showed that his words were not spoken without reason. 

Louis Marot’s face glowed with pleasure — the pic- 

(3) 


42 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


ture of Madelon came back to him, and he was glad 
to have a listener. The story is an old one,” said 
the youth, very old story, and a woman is at the 
bottom of it.” 

*^Jt might have a worse foundation,” said his com- 
panion, with a humorous twinkle in his eyes, ^‘and 
this woman is young and pretty ?” 

^^Yes, young and pretty, and I have taken it into 
my head that I am in want of a wife.” 

wise resolve !” cried the old man, ^^a virtuous 
woman makes a good man’s househgld happy ; but there 
are those who say that soldiers ought not to marry.” 

^^And I confess that I have been of that opinion my- 
self,” replied Marot, ^'maybe have said as much to 
you; but then I had not seen Madelon — that makes 
all the difference !” 

'^And who is Madelon ?” 

“ The daughter of a Fencing Master ; we are within 
sight of his residence now.” 

‘^Ah, ha ! the daughter of Pierre Deslond !” 

“ You know her, then ?” cried Marot, siezing his 
companion by the arm. 


OR, THE STORY OP MADELON. 


43 


No,” said the old man, ^^no ; but I know those 
who speak praises of her. She has been well nurtured, 
and is a good girl. Of that I am assured.” 

^^And you who>seem to know all things, can 57’ou tell 
me of her father ?” 

“ I am told,” replied the old man, '^that he is a 
strange mixture of paternal tenderness, martial en- 
thusiasm and profanity, especially set against the 
Priests ; but an honest man. Now, question for ques- 
tion, how came you to meet this enchantress ?” 

The story is simple enough, I saw her at the 
villa of Monsieur Baudin, the great banker, it is now 
six months ago. She is cousin to his wife. I should 
have pressed myself on her notice then — but faith ! 
the Minister of War breaks up romances. He arrested 
mine by sending me to the South • of France, from 
which I have just returned. To-day I became a pupil 
of her father, and told him my story. You see I have 
lost no time.” 

At this moment Madelon came forth from the 
porter’s lodge of the gloomy house at which they had 
been gazing. She was evidently in haste. Marot 


44 


UNDEE THE EMPIRE ; 


sprang forward to meet her. She answered his un- 
spoken question : My father is ill,” she said, choking 
hack her tears, ^*and I am in search of Dr. Lavoison.” 

Then, as the youth indicated his intention to accom- 
pany her, she waved him off and cried, “No, no. Par- 
don me; I am in haste.” Perhaps she reproached 
Marot as the cause of the Fencing Master’s illness, 
for women are not just when moved by their emotions. 

In a moment more the young girl was out of sight. 

“I am sorry for this,” said the old man, taking a 
prodigious pinch of snuff. “ It has been known to me 
for some time that Deslond is failing, and he must be 
looked after.” 

“ Here,” cried Marot, “is my purse, use it without 
stint.” 

“ No,” replied his companion, putting it aside with 
a graceful gesture, and pressing the hand which 
offered it, “no, I have a fund at my disposal ; but if I 
should need aid your offer will not be forgotten ; and 
now adieu, unless you may be going my way ?” 

“No,” said Marot, “I shall await the return of 
Madelon, and mount guard here.” 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


46 


Pressing each other's hands the two friends sepa- 
rated. The old man still wearing his air of repose, 
the youth full of feverish impatience and torn by 
anxiety. 


CHAPTER V. 


A CHAPTER WHICH IS SHORT, BUT LONG ENOUGH, HOW- 
EVER, TO ADMIT OF A FINE DISPLAY OP TRUE 
COURAGE BY M. LOUIS MAROT. 

When Doctor Lavoison descended from his lofty 
room he was struggling with a sudden growth of new 
thoughts, and painful emotions. He had tormented 
Desselais, whom at heart he despised, in a spirit of 
wanton levity, and had provoked him into sending 
Marot a challenge for a meeting on the Bois de 
Boulogne, which then, as now, had an evil reputation 
fastened on it by blood spilt in unnumbered duels, 
To such encounters, as a rule, Lavoison saw no objec- 
tion. Like the vast majority of Frenchmen of that 
day, it never crossed his mind that such an invitation 
as he carried in his breast-pocket could be refused, nor 
had it occurred to him that there could be a better ar- 
bitration for private quarrels than that he was com- 
missioned to arrange with the young soldier ; but, in 


OE, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


47 


this case, he felt ill at ease, and wished Desselais at 
the devil very heartily before he reached the street. 
Once there, he confessed to himself that his chance 
for an immediate delivery of his message was but 
slender, and settling his hat down upon his brows, he 
took his way mechanically, but by devious ways, to- 
wards the Fencing Master’s. The inspiration of the 
Devil could not have served him better. He found 
his man. The cloud disappeared from Lavoison’s 
brow. He was mid-leg in the Eubicon and knew how 
to cross to the other bank. At this moment also the 
impatient soldier saw Dr. Lavoison. The familiar 
face, for he was not a man to pass unnoticed, brought 
back to Marot’s mind the scene of the morning, and 
the fact that the gentleman now approaching him had 
been spoken of as a Surgeon. They moved towards 
each other eagerly, but with what different motives 
and emotions ! Doctor Lavoison took off his hat with 
a grave and ceremonious air. The soldier moved for- 
ward abruptly and without a salutation. 

Lavoison was the first to speak, because he had 
carefully prepared his speech. Monsieur,” said he. 


48 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


^^you may perhaps do me the honor to remember that 
we have met before?” 

Marot, surprised at the ceremonious gravity of the 
question^ bowed his head. 

Lavoison continued : “ Monsieur may also remem- 
ber — I have not the happiness of Monsieur’s name ?” 

My name,” said the soldier, ^4s Marot, Louis 
Marot.” 

Then Monsieur Marot may, perhaps, remember 
his adventure with Monsieur Desselais ? That gentle- 
man feels himself so affronted that he has charged me 
to deliver this,” saying which Lavoison drew out the 
note of which he was the bearer. 

I think I understand,” said Marot, and glancing 
over the paper, he looked steadily at Lavoison, as he 
answered : Tell your friend that in this quarrel I 
will not fight.” 

The Doctor was bewildered ; his face turned red 
and pale by turns. Here was a new experience. At 
last he said with a sneer : soldier ! — a soldier of 

France ! And you will not fight?” 

Monsieur,” cried Marot with dignity, ^^you do me 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


49 


a wroDg. I will fight under the Eagle ! I will fight 
as a soldier of France against her enemies. I have 
fought under the Imperial eye when it was no holiday 
review; but in this quarrel I will not fight. It is 
against the military law, and it is against my con- 
science.” 

Monsieur,” said Lavoison, I am not certain that 
I understand your reasoning ; but, I confess you have 
given me a better opinion of your trade. I thought 
soldiers cut throats for pastime.” 

^^And now,” said Marot, “let me ask you a ques- 
tion. You are a Surgeon, I think?” 

“An humble member of the Faculty,” said Lavoison, 
with a bow. 

“ Then,” cried Marot, “there is no time to lose. The 
Fencing Master is ill, and needs your aid.” 

Speaking thus, Marot hurried the Surgeon towards 
the Fencing Master’s door, saw him enter, and re- 
turned to his promenade. 


CHAPTER VI. 


MADAME, JE VOUS AVOUE QUE JE SUIS SURPEIS, ET 
QUE JE NE VOUS ATTENDAIS PAS ICI.” 

The departure of Lavoison was a relief to Desselais. 
As the echoes on the stairway died out he felt his 
breath come with greater freedom. He was relieved 
from the irony of his friend, and had full leisure to 
compose his mind. But to think was a task to which 
he was not accustomed. The effort fatigued him ; he 
yawned, filled himself a glass of wine, and surveyed 
the apartment. 

^‘Bah!" he cried in disdain, ^Vhat a smell of 
drugs !” apd he tapped on a retort, after which he 
wiped the dust from the tips of his fingers. ' Next he 
took up a book, but Desselais was not given to litera- 
ture. It was Moliere, but it never occurred to him 
to read Les Frecieuses Redicules: had he attempted 
the task the piece he would have chosen was Don 


OE, THE STOEY OF MADELON. 


51 


Juan, Then he stood in the middle of the apartment 
and surveyed himself as well as he was able. 

Faith !” cried he, with a sardonic smile, Faith T 
it is odd that I who have expended eight thousand 
francs within the year upon my dress — I, admired of 
women and envied of men, should be reduced to this- 
costume !’' 

Desselais, in his proper apparel, was considered 
handsome. Eousseau would have taken him as one of 
his true typical Frenchmen. He was short, but well 
shaped; active and sinewy, vain, brave and arrogant.. 
Having relieved his mind by this outburst, he cast a 
quick glance around the room. 

glass,” said he, ^^surely Lavoison has a mirror !.' 
Great Heavens, what a little monster it is!” he cried, 
as he took down the object of his search. He walked 
to the window to secure a good light, and made a 
study of his face. ^^Mon Dieu! how it distorts one’s 
features! It is incredible that a rational creature 
should possess such an abomination !” 

A new idea now presented itself to Desselais. He 
drew a chair towards the window and adjusted the^ 


•52 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


mirror upon the floor, supporting it against the rickety 
fauimil. Absorbed in this occupation he forgot even 
the cause of wearing so grotesque a garb. He strained 
■his neck — he looked first over his right shoulder and 
'then over his left. He gathered up his breeches at 
'the knee ; he made a grimace at the size of his stock- 
ings. ^ 

Pester he cried, “this is droll !” and he changed 
the angle of the glass to get a better view of his figure. 
But at last he grew weary of this absurd study of his 
‘Own proportions. He replaced the glass, smoothed 
his moustache, arched his eyebrows, and began a new 
survey of the apartment. An odd object caught his 
wandering eye against the opposite wall. To seize j 
and drag it forth was the work of a moment. “What | 

the devil have we here cried Desselais, greatly ex- I 
•cited at his discovery. This piece of furniture, if so j 
it may be called, consisted of a disc mounted like an j 
easel. At first he thought that it might be some 
astrological instrument, and surveyed it with great 
■care. He tapped upon it with his finger and as the 
metal answered, he said : “Ah, here we have iron ! 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


53 : 


and what are these Desselais made a close exami- 
nation of the marks to which his question referred 
before he answered, and then he skipped back from 
his study with the animated cry: ''Just Heaven!- 
these are bullet marks ! This is a target. Here have 
we the pistol practice 1 Here also have we a mystery !”' 

The marks, of which he spoke and at which he gazed 
so intently, were so laid, one upon another, over a 
common centre, that supposing them to be left by bul- 
lets fired from one side of the ample room to the other,, 
they showed great skill in the marksman, who, as 
Desselais readily conjectured, was no other person 
than Lavoison himself. 

At this moment a knock came at the door. His- 
first impulse was to take refuge in the closet. The 
knock came again, and was delivered with impatience. 

"Holo !” cried Desselais, "who is there?” 

" It is I — Madelon,” was the agitated answer. His 
face turned crimson with pleasure, but he felt no sur- 
prise. "Just Heaven,” he said to himself. "I take 
back my imprications on my ill-fortune. Madelon has 
sought me out to atone for this morning’s misadven- 


-54 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


ture." This thought passed through his mind like 
light. 

‘^Hold !” he cried, one moment.” This moment 
he occupied in a vain endeavor to improve his dress. 
His eye lighted on Lavoison’s gown, and hastily draw- 
ing this on, he threw open the door; and Madelon 
rushed into the apartment. She was bewildered as 
she gazed about, and Desselais, with bitter chagrin, 
had to admit that he, at least, was not the object of 
her search. Had a doubt lingered on his mind, . her 
words would have dispelled it. 

You here !” she cried. 

Yes, you see, and” — here he bowed with easy in- 
solence — ‘‘ I hatter myself that you have found whom 
you sought.” 

Madelon drew back with a look of scorn and won- 
der in her brilliant eyes. came,” she cried, ^^seek- 
dng Monsieur Lavoison. My father is ill and needs 
his aid. Oh ! tell me, tell me, I pray you, where he 
■can be found; minutes are precious !” 

Desselais was deeply mortified. His vanity had 
^hurried him into an absurd mistake, and he trembled 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELOtT* 


55 


with anger. All that was bad in his nature concen- 
trated itself at that moment. He looked at Madelon, 
flushed and tearful as she stood, without pity, and he 
answered her with a diabolical insolence. 

** Farhleu ! your acting is superb. But there are 
no spectators. It is enough that you have found me. 
As you say, moments are precious ; let us not waste 

them. ” Here he turned the key, and leaning against 
the door folded his arms and looked at Madelon. 

Monsieur Desselais,” she said, do not make a 
jest of my sorrow. Think ! my father is an old man ; 
he is poor and ill, and I must find assistance for him.” 

He to whom she addressed herself was deaf to her 
-entreaty, blind to her tears ! ^‘Tush ! Madelon,” he 
answered, here have we no spectators; here let us, 

then, have no acting, though Clarion herself might 
take a lesson from you. Come, let us have done with 
this,” and he stepped towards her, holding out his 
hand. 

The girl’s whole expression of face and figure under- 
went a sudden change. Her voice, low and soft, had 
been supplicating and prayerful ; now as she spoke it 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


' 56 

was hard, metallic and full of scorn. She was taller 
than her tormentor. Her figure, though graceful, 
was robust, and her eyes gazed with a steady glow of 
courage. 

Monsieur,” she said, I did not know that a 
Frenchman could be so base a coward.” 

Desselais felt the bitterness of these words ; but 
they only stimulated his malignant temper. 

^‘Madelon,” said he slowly, *^that attitude is superb \ 
But, let us talk. Now, confess that this is an inven- 
tion. Admit that you came, not to seek Lavoison^ 
but your devoted slave. Now, my angel, don't fly in 
a passion.” 

'^Oh, insolent!” she cried, clenching her hands, 
*^Oh, insolent! Can it be possible that God suffers 
suck monsters upon the earth !” and the young girl 
cast an appealing glance towards the Heavens. 

Suddenly Desselais took another tone. He spoke 
rapidly, and with a coarse eloquence, because he was 
base enough to believe in the power of his own corrupt 
imaginations. Listen to me, girl !” he cried. 
you will return my love, there is no pleasure known 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 57 • 

to Paris whicli shall not be yours.” He grew madder 
as he spoke. *‘See here I behold these yellow con- 
jurers,” and he poured a handful of gold upon the 
table, ‘^these can change themselves into laces, and 
silks, and velvets, and gems — into a gilded chariot 
and prancing steeds — wine of the richest tints and 
rarest vintage” — 

Madelon arrested his speech, and stabbed him to 
the quick with the wit of a woman. She broke into a 
peal of laughter. Desselais faltered, turned red, then 
pale, and stopped in the midst and climax of his infa- 
mous address. 

‘‘ Monsieur,” cried Madelon,^‘Monsieur Desselais, let. 
me advise you : when you next make love pay a littla 
more attention to your costume. It looks as if bor- 
rowed from the Mont de Fiete F 

None but a Frenchwoman could have delivered this 
blow. Desselais cowed like a cur under the lash, then 
he fell into a chair and gathered Lavoison’s robe close 
about his legs. The creature whom neither prayers 
nor entreaties could move was overwhelmed at the 
ridicule of his intended victim. At this moment quick 

(I) 


UNDER THE EMPIRE : 


• 58 

steps were heard upon the stairs, a hand was laid upon 
the lock, the door shaken, and then the voice of La- 
voison penetrated the room : 

“ Desselais,” he cried, ^^open ! I am in haste !” 
The friendly voice overcame Madelon, and bursting 
into a passion of tears, she sank upon the floor, 

‘^Again the door shook, and then yielding to the 
pressure, it flew open and revealed Lavoison and 
Marot. The quick-witted Farisien took in the situ- 
ation at a glance. He saw everything, even to the 
Napoleons that glittered on the table. 

Monsieur,” said he to Desselais, I think we have 
an account to settle,” and he took a step forward. 

Desselais rose up, shrugged his shoulders, spread 
out his hands, elevated his eyebrows and exclaimed : 
**Let me beg you not to make a scene. Consider the 
reputation of my charming friend there. She is com- 
promised, it is true, but” — 

He proceeded no further. Louis Marot seized him 
with a grasp from which there was no escape, and 
despite his struggles, dragged him from the room. 
*^8celeratr hissed the soldier, and then Desselais 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


59 


went headlong down the stairs, under an impulse he 
was powerless to resist. 

Bravo !” cried Lavoison, as he held a glass of 
wine to the lips of Madelon. Bravo ! There goes 
my friend playing his favorite part of battering-ram. 
Baith ! he has scraped acquaintance with every sepa- 
rate step from the top to the bottom of the stairway ! ” 

As the sound ceased, Marot returned flushed and 
angry, with an expression on his face which bore wit- 
ness that his refusal to go to the Bois de Boulogne 
proceeded from no lack of spirit. 

*‘Come,” said Lavoison, let us leave Madelon to 
herself. This weeping will do her good, it is equal to 
blood-letting.” ^ 

A few moments before she had stood strong and 
brave and beautiful as Camilla ; but now, overpowered 
by the reaction of her emotions, she was a weak girl 
dissolved in tears. 

The two men withdrew to the window. Involun- 
tarily they spoke in the low tones which we use in 
sick chambers. 

Monsieur,” said Lavoison, ^^you have enriched my 


60 


UNDER TEE EMPIRE ; 


experiences to-day. You have shown me a soldier 
with a conscience above sword-play. May I be per- 
mitted to ask one question 

'^As many as you choose, only I reserve the right 
to parry your thrusts if I see fit. Begin.” As he 
spoke he glanced over his shoulder. 

“Oh, she is in no danger,” said Lavoison, “the 
brave girl will be herself in less time than it takes 
you to answer my question, which is this : How can 
you, a soldier, quick, resolute, brave — how can you 
refuse to meet a man when he calls you out ? Faith, 
it puzzles me !” 

Marot smiled at the question as he answered. 
“ Have you not said I have a conscience ?” 

“ That is droll,” cried Lavoison, “that is what I do 
not comprehend. And how do you brave opinion?”* 
“ It is not so difficult,” replied Marot, “the opinion 
which I consult is among my comrades. They have 
seen me on the field. They know how I have won 

*It may be said that Marotfvvas impossible under the Empire, but he is only 
presented as an exception, not a type. Moreover Count Segur, in his Memoirs, 
tells a story of his adventurelwith Colonel de Labaree, which shows that a chal- 
lenge may be declined with grace and magnanimity. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


61 


promotion. I leave them to judge. Then, too, there 
is the Imperial decree.” 

At this moment Madelon rose up. Her face was 
flushed, but she had regained her composure. ‘‘Come,” 
said she, “take me to my father I Come, Monsieur 
Lavoison, he needs your aid. It was that which 
brought me hither.” And the red in her cheeks 
deepened to a burning blush. 

“ Make yourself at ease,” said Lavoison, “ I have 
seen him, and now that you are yourself, we will re- 
turn to my old friend. I leave you to follow with 
Monsieur Marot.” 

“ Not so,” said the young soldier, “ I will wait with- 
out until it pleases Madelon to move.” 

“ Yes,” said Lavoison, with a laugh, “yes, the con- 
trast with Desselais’ conduct is admirable !” 

“And it will not be forgotten,” cried the young 
girl, in a voice of such exceeding sweetness that Marot 
was to be pardoned if in his own mind he called her 
an angel. Together the trio left Lavoison’s lodgings, 
to hurry to the bedside of the Fencing Master. 


CHAPTER VIL 


WHAT SOME OF HIS FEIENDS SAID OF HIM. 

On the morning following the eventful day I have 
described, a group of pupils were gathered before the 
salle d'armes» On the door a placard told of the ill- 
ness of the Fencing Master, and invoked indulgence 
of his friends. It was at this they gazed. They spoke 
together, and their talk ran thus : 

FupiU ^‘And so the old man is sick ?” 

2d Pupil, “ He has been failing for some time. 
We shall have to look for another master. Ha ! here 
comes Lavoison 

Lavoison, *^Ah, gentlemen, no lessons to-day ! 
The old soldier has had a sharp attack.” 

3d Pupil, It is distressing ; and at this hour one 
finds it dificult to dispose of his leisure.” 

4ith Pupil, “ Will he recover ?” 

Lavoison, Permanently, no; but he will rally 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


63'. 


In chorus^ 


from this attack. And now, question for question,, 
what news have you ?” 

Have you not heard 
Great news, indeed !’* 

Surely he has heard !” 

L Desselais ” — 

LavoisoUf (stopping his ears). “One at a time ! In 
mercy, one at a time 

1st Pupil, “You remember Desselais’. adventure 
here?” 

Lavoison, “ Who could ever forget it ! Faith 1 
he has furnished me laughter for a month !” 

2d Pupil, “Well it has a sequel !” 

Isi Pupil, “And both parts of the story have 
gone abroad.” 

Zd Pupil, “Gone to the four winds !” 

A.th Pupil, “ The whole town is convulsed with 
laughter !” 

LavoisoUf (sententiously). “An honest laugh for 
once !” 

Pupil, “ He has fled before it in dismay !” 

Lavoison, “ The Devil !” 


64 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


Pupil, 

Lavoison, 

^^No, Desselais.” 

Well, it’s much the same. So he has 

gone?” 

2d Pupil, 

Lavoison, 

Undoubtedly.” 

Faith ! I’m not sorry. I shall sur- 

vive it.” 


Zd Pupil, 

Sorry ! Bather should you be glad. 


for lie swore a great oath to be the death of you.’' 

Lavoison. ^^Well, I shall wait for him with pa- 
tience, and the longer the better, for I have a great 
horror of practicing surgery on — myself. But you 
spoke of a sequel. What of that?” 

'' 0 ! it is wonderful !” 


In chorus j * 

Paris has not had such a laugh this 
year.” 

^^His adventure proves there is a 

Providence !” 

Lavoison, 

“ It is sure to go in the next comedy.” 
Again, gentlemen, I beg you to speak 


one at a time.” 

1st Pupil* Well, Desselais went to your room, 
did he not ?” 


OR; THE STORY OF MADELON. 


65 


Lavoison, I had the pleasure of his company.’’ 

Isi Pupil, It seems that in going to your lodg- 
ings the porter was struck by his appea'rance as he 
passed the lodge, and drew his own conclusions, so 
that when Desselais came tumbling down the stairs, 
clad in the drollest costume, I am told, the concierge 
concluded he was mad, that he had murdered and 
robbed you — Ha! Hal Ha! — and so laid hold of 
him. Faith ! and made him captive too — handed him 
over to the Gendarmes, and was about having him 
sent to a Maison de Sante, or the guillotine.” 

Lavoison, ^^Just heaven! Here is retribution!” 
and the Doctor laughed and danced in an ecstasy of 
delight. When he could again speak he surprised his 
gay companions by the sudden gravity of his tone. 

Messieurs,” he said, ^^this Desselais is a scoundrel. 
When you have occasion to speak of him, pray quote 
that as my opinion. And now I must get to my patient.” 


CHAPTER VIII. 


MONSIEUR LAVOISON MAKES SOME ENQUIRIES INTO THE 
FAMILY HISTORY OF THE FENCING MASTER. 

The room into which Monsieur Lavoison entered 
was like his own in one respect : it was immediately 
under the tiles ; but here all resemblance ceased. It 
was the picture of neatness and good order ; evidently 
a woman’s care presided over it. There were flowers 
in the window, a wreath of purple and yellow immor- 
telles hung beneath the sword which Deslond had won 
in his campaigns. There was not a speck of dust 
upon floor or furniture, and the narrow window panes- 
shone like crystal. An adjoining closet was occupied 
by Madelon, and it was plain, at a glance, that the 
Fencing Master’s menage was ruled according to the- 
requirements of an honorable poverty. In the pre- 
sence of the old soldier and his daughter. Monsieur 
Lavoison became a difierent man from the person we- 
have seen. His dignified deportment would have- 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


67 


been approved by the medical dignitaries of the Eue 
SL Jean de Beauvais, He carried an air of authority,, 
the result, perhaps, of art; but the benevolence of his 
countenance, the discretion of his words, sprang spon- 
taneously from a good heart. He advanced to Deslond 
with a cheerful smile, nodded to Madelon, and sat 
down by the old soldier, who lay extended on a camp 
bedstead, which its owner would not have exchanged 
for one of ebony. 

‘^Ah !’* cried Lavoison, I see, my brave friend,, 
that you are on the high road to a • speedy recovery.. 
You will soon be able to take the air.” 

“ It is true,” said Deslond, “ I grow better ; but 
at first I thought I had my marching orders. Ee- 
member, Madelon, when I do march my old sword 
yonder goes with me.” 

The young girl laid her hand upon her father’s lips,, 
leant over him to kiss his withered cheek, and then 
stole to the window were she wiped the tears from her 
eyes and said a little prayer of thankfulness to the 
good God who seemed to promise restoration of health 
to the old soldier. 


^8 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


^^Tush!” said Lavoison, “this is folly. Talk not 
of marching to another world, and remember, my 
brave friend, that the Physician is Commander-in- 
Ohief in a sick man’s room.” 

“I obey orders,” said the old man, smiling, and 
making a military salute. 

“This is well,” said the young man, “and now, 
Madelon, prepare this draught. Sleep is all that is 
needed — sleep and generous wine.” 

The Fencing Master drained the glass which 
his daughter gave him, and composed himself on his 
pillow. Madelon withdrew to the window, and Mon- 
sieur Lavoison resumed his seat. When the regular 
breathing of the old man told that the drug had taken 
effect, he rose softly and joined Madelon. The young 
girl prepared to listen, for she understood plainly 
from his face that Monsieur had something to say 
which concerned his patient, and she waited for his 
speech with anxious eyes and pallid cheeks. 

“ Madelon,” said he, “the physician stands in the 
relation of close confidence to his clients, therefore there 
are many things which he should know.” 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


69 ' 


She grew still paler as he spoke, and a shade of 
bewilderment mingled with her anxiety. Her voice,, 
too, failed her, and she only bowed her glossy head in 
assent to the formal beginning of the physician. 

“There are questions which I must ask,” continued 
he, “and you will understand that they are not 
prompted by vulgar curiosity.” 

Madelon grew still more embarrassed, for she had 
never seen her companion so' grave in manner, never 
heard him so dignified in speech. The nobility of his^ 
calling enveloped Lavoison like a robe of honor — the 
toga of a Senator. 

“ First of all, then, your father must have rest ofi 
mind and body — change of air and more generous 
nourishment.” 

The heavy tear-drops came into her bright eyes as 
she heard these words, for Madelon knew the remedies 
were beyond their reach. 

“ These things,” continued Lavoison, “ are neces- 
sary and, I think I see my way, dimly iFis true, but 
still I think I see my way to securing what he needs.” 

The blood rushed in tumult to the young girl’s face,. 


70 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


and as she clasped her hands, a smile parted her lips, 
but she did not speak. It seemed that her soul was 
standing a-tip toe looking out through her tearful 
eyes. 

But to succeed,” said Lavoison, I need informa- 
tion — that you must give.” Madelon nodded. '^Tell 
me, then, has not your father relatives beyond the 
barriers ?” 

Yes,” replied the young girl, ^^at Bellevue — yes.” 

And the name?” asked Lavoison. 

Baudin. Madame Baudin.” 

Baudin ?” asked he, tapping his forehead. ^^Bau- 
din? Is there not a banker by that name?” 

The same, my cousin’s husband.” 

And Madame Baudin ?” — 

Is my father’s niece, daughter of my uncle Victor, 
who was killed in Italy. Her mother was of Milan.” 

“This is better than I expected!” cried Lavoison, 
but still speaking in a subdued tone, “better than I 
expected ! And now another question — Faith, I think 
I would have made a good advocate I Is your cousin 
the first or second wife of Monsieur Baudin ?” 


OR, THE STORY OF MA.DELON. 


71 


His first. Why do you ask 
Because I remember to have heard that the rich 
banker married an actress. Is this the fact ?'' 

Yes,” answered Madelon, “it is true. My cousin 
was an actress. She inherited great talents from her 
mother, and I think left the stage with reluctance.” 

“And she is rich ?” 

^Wes, she has no wish ungratified.” 

“Old Baudin dotes on her ?” 

“He is devoted to his wife.” 

“That is odd 1” 

“Odd! Why odd. Monsieur?” asked Madelon, 
smilingly. 

“Umph I Because, my little friend, I have gene- 
rally found that gentlemen admire the wives of other 
men more than their own I But I am not through 
with my questions. I think you have visited your 
cousin ?” 

“Yes, we were warm friends. Julie is a noble 
woman 1” 

“When were you at Madame Baudin's ?” 

“ In mid-summer, a year ago.” 


72 


UNDER TEE EMPIRE; 


! You enjoyed it?" 

^‘Yes, the flowers, the trees, the birds, the broad 
green fields opened a new world to me. I think I was- 
never more happy." 

I understand," said Lavoison, “pastoral and ro- 
mantic ! But why do you say you w’ere once friends ?" 

Madelon’s eyes filled with tears, but after a mo- 
ment’s pause she answered in a tender whisper, which 
told that even young as she was she had a past to 
lament because it was to her eyes irrevocable. “ It 
pains me to think of this. But you have some good 
reason for your question ?" 

“ Reason ! Assuredly I have. A wise physician,, 
little one, uses many remedies, and everybody knows 
that I am wise and an ornament to the Faculty. But 
go on, tell me your story. 

After a momentary pause Madelon began : “ My 
cousin is generous — oh ! kind and generous to a fault ! 
But my father has quarrelled with her, and" — here 
her tears ran over, and Lavoison made a study of a 
group of pigeons on the opposite housetop. 

“ Well, little one, continue,'’ he sdid, after a long 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


73 


pause, ^^your father quarreled with her? For what 
cause ?” 

It was in mid-shmmer that I went to them, and 
we read together many of the plays in which she had 
acted. And though her voice, they say, is sadly 
altered, it is wonderful to hear her. And it is on this 
point that Monsieur Baudin is sensitive. When she 
reads aloud, which she sometimes does, he grows 
melancholy, and begins to fancy that she is weary of 
her quiet life. He is jealous of her old profession, 
though he says he only fears the disease which once 
attacked her throat may return again. In me she 
found what Monsieur Baudin is unable to give, sympa- 
thy and admiration of her art. We read together, 
and it pleased her to think that I could achieve on the 
stage the destiny she left unaccomplished. This 
scheme grew in her favor, until at last she laid her 
plans before my father. This enraged him. He said 
Julie intended to steal me away. The explosion was 
terrible. Since then we have not met,” 

Faith ! this shall help us,” cried Lavoison, starting 
up, and Madelon, seeing that his questions had come 

(5) 


74 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


to an end, stole away to her closet, where her tears, 
springing from many emotions, could flow in silence 
and without restraint. This did not pass unnoticed 
by the keen eyes of the young man. His was that 
exquisite tact which only sees and hears that which 
should be observe, or listened to, and hence for the 
distress of Madelon he had been blind. He stood a 
few moments over the sick man, saw that his breath 
was calm, his aspect quiet, and then, without noise, 
he withdrew from the apartment. 


CHAPTER IX. 


THE FENCING MASTER'S VISITORS. 

It was the morning after this visit: Madelon sat 
at the windows in the same spot she had occupied 
when telling her brief and simple story. There was a 
faint perfume diffused about the room, shed abroad by 
the flowers beside her. The early sun gilded the 
house tops, flights of pigeons wheeled in the bland 
Spring air, the azure sky was without a cloud, the roar 
of the busy streets came to her ears like the voice of a 
distant waterfall, and her heart was light in sympathy 
with the smiling face of Nature. She looked dreamily 
through the window, and the strong light which fell 
upon her face seemed tc irradiate it w<ith an ever 
changing glory. The bloom upon her cheek was warm 
and rich, the shadow of care had passed away from her 
innocent forehead, her eyes disclosed new depths, and 
as she put stitches in the lace on which she worked, 
her voice gave expression to her happiness in a low 


76 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


melody, to which the Fencing Master listened as he 
lay in bed. Her tones were full of music, deep, soft, 
caressing in their expression, and imbued with that 
rare and charming quality which one expresses in the 
word sympathetic. In short, her voice possessed the 
power to interpret with fidelity her emotions. And 
this morning these were such as befit youth. She 
was reassured as to her father, a romance had budded 
and blossomed in her life, and she sang softly to her- 
self as she looked up into the sun-lit heavens. 

Her pleasant dreams were soon to be interrupted, 
and her thoughts called back to the duties of the 
present. Monsieur Lavoison’s foot was on the stair- 
way. This gay young man had found that it was a 
luxury to do kindnesses for the old soldier, that it was 
ennobling to approach a pure young girl, a wholesome 
lesson to study simple lives and honorable poverty. 
He was acquiring a new experience, and a wider field 
than he had ever surveyed before was opening before 
him. He began to realize that life had duties to be 
met as well as relaxations to be enjoyed — that as com- 
plements to each other these might give happiness as 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


77 


the result. In this mood he ascended the stairway 
and found the landing before the Fencing Master’s 
room occupied by one who had preceded him. He 
was confronted by the old man, in brown, whom we 
have already seen in company with Louis Marot, The 
two men saluted each other, and though they 
had never met before face to face as they did now, they 
were not unknown by sight and profession to each 
other. Monsieur Lavoison waited in a respectful atti" 
tude for the old man to speak, which he did at once in 
a tone bland and kindly, but with the air and manner 
of one whose words carry the weight of authority. 

** You can tell me where I can find Pierre Deslond, 
can you not, Monsieur ?” 

It is upon him that I attend,” was the reply, ^^and 
it will be my pleasure to show you his apartment ; but 
before this, let me invoke your aid ? May I enlist you 
in a kindness to my brave friend ?” 

'Tt is because I would serve him,” said the old man, 
that I am here.” 

Behold ! then,” cried Lavoison, drawing forth a 
heavy purse, “ Behold ! our brave old friend needs 


78 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


wine and more generous food, and aid will come with 
a better grace from you than from me. This sum is 
specially dedicated to this charity.” 

understand,” said the man in brown, “ the dif- 
ference in our age — ” 

Nay, Monsieur,” cried Lavoison, ** your superior 
dignity makes it of greater satisfaction.” 

The young man’s companion smiled upon him, held 
out his snuff-box, took a pinch, and secured the purse 
in his bosom, while the Surgeon continued : ‘‘ This 
gold comes from the most exemplary youth in all Paris. 
A youth devoted to good works, whose modesty is so 
great — an unusual thing in this generation — that 
having left this handsome sum upon my table to be 
used in charities, he fled from my apartment with 
such precipitation that he fell headlong down the stairs. 
Pardon me if I laugh, but the picture of this virtuous 
young man amuses me.” 

And without answering the enquiring glance of his 
companion, Lavoison knocked at the door of the 
Fencing Master. The sound roused Madelon from 
her reverie. She ceased to sing, and sprang up to 


OE, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


79 


admit the Physician. At the sight of his companion 
she drew back, but as the old man took off his hat, 
with grave politeness, his noble aspect reassured her. 

^*Here,” said Lavoison, *^is one who would be a 
friend to your father,” and with this simple introduc- 
tion the two men stepped within the apartment. 

Pierre held out his hand, the Surgeon advanced to- 
wards him, and the old visitor remained modestly 
withdrawn. 

** Ah !” cried Deslond, “ ray brave young friend, I 
am better, thanks to your care and Madelon’s I I feel 
myself able to sit at the window, and have an appetite.” 

During this speech Lavoison held his fingers on the 
old soldier’s pulse. The face of the Physician con- 
firmed the words of the patient. 

Yes,” said he, you are stronger and better, as 
you say.” 

Here he made a sign to his companion to come for- 
ward. The old man obeyed it with alacrity. 

“Ah! Captain Deslond,” he cried, “you are con- 
quering disease bravely. All that is necessary, I 
speak after some experience, is for you to obey the 


80 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


orders of our wise young friend. Obedience to orders, 
my brave Captain, is the first principle of action with 
old soldiers like ourselves !” 

All invalids become egotists, their ills of necessity 
concentrate their thoughts upon themselves, and hence 
Deslond had seen without observing his visitor. To 
this address, h^answered : Ah ! comrade, you, too, 
have been a soldier 

“ And still am,” answered the old man.” “ I hope 
to die under my flag.” 

The banner of France !” cried the Fencing Mas- 
ter. Give me your hand.” 

And Deslond stretched out his own in a glow of en - 
thusiasm. 

**Hush!” said his visitor, meeting his grasp. 
**Hush! You excite yourself! I am here in obedience 
to the command of my superior officer.” 

Eight, comrade 1” ejaculated Pierre, right I 
Always obey orders I” 

Then,” said the old man, it is the command of 
that superior officer that you receive this,” and he 
placed the purse he had received from Lavoison on the 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


81 


table. This is to he'lp you to change of air and rest, 
and a holiday. 

A frown darkened the forehead of Deslond, and his 
oheeks flushed. ^*.Your intention is kind,” he said, 
**but you wound me. I cannot accept charity.” 

'' Nay, my brave friend,” cried the old man, ^^my 
-orders are from a high source — a very high source — 
and you must make no objection.” 

The steady gaze and tone of grave command which 
accompanied these words subdued the sick man, who, 
speaking as much to himself as to his companion, said : 

Yes, sent by some old comrade who has risen. 
Was it sent by a Colonel ?” 

“ No. Higher than a Colonel,” said the old man 
smiling. 

A General of Brigade ?” 

No. Higher than a General of Brigade.” 

Ah ! I see,” cried Deslond, “ a General of Divi- 
sion ?” 

No,” replied his visitor, still smiling, higher 
than a General of Division.” 

** A Marshal of France ?” 


82 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


No. Higher than a Marshal of France.” 

A sudden light blazed in the eyes of the Fencing 
Master, and he cried out in ecstacy : The Emperor ! 
Madelon, do you hear ! The Emperor !” 

“ Hush,” said the old man.” “ This excitement will 
be too much for you. Adieu. I shall come again.” 

Hold !” exclaimed ^Deslond, “ Your name, com- 
rade ? Your name ?” 

“Call me the Imperial Messenger, if you will. 
Once more, adieu.” And without another word 
he hurried from the apartment. 

“ Ah ! the Emperor remembers me. Madelon, thia 
is a happy day ! And the Messenger ! Parhleu ! I had 
a thousand questions to ask. He is gone.” 

“ And now,” said Lavoison, “ this is enough. It is 
a glorious thing to be so remembered. But there are 
other things to think of. 

“For example, my brave Captain, your rations! 
Madelon, our sick man must have a chicken and a 
bottle of sound wine. Fly ! and let us begin to make 
a new man of him.” 

The young girl hurried to obey this order, and in 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


8a 


the meantime Lavoison aided the old soldier in his- 
toilet and helped him to a seat at the window. In a 
short space the door again opened and Madelon, all 
palpitating with delight, clapped her hands with the 
glee of a child at the sight of her father thus far re- 
stored to strength. Placing her basket on the table, 
she embraced the old man tenderly, kissed him on both 
cheeks, smoothed down his hair, and humming a gay 
melody, began to arrange the breakfast which she had 
brought from a restaurateur's hard by. An agreeable 
odor diffused itself throughout the room. Pierre’s 
chicken was done to a turn, and when Lavoison drew 
the cork from the bottle of Pomard, the Fencing Mas- 
ter called out Bravo !” in a cheerful tone, and the 
three smiled in a common satisfaction. 

Ha !” cried Lavoison, “ my brave friend, this 
honest Burgundy will put new life into your heart !’^ 
and the Surgeon held out a glass to Deslond, which 
he drank slowly, with many nods and meditative- 
winks like one who knows good liquor. 

I i When the old man had finished his meal Lavoison 
rose up to depart, but before making his retreat he- 


•84 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


handed Deslond a well bound octavo volume, which 
the Fencing Master took with evident surprise and 
<juriosity. 

Ha !” cried the old man, what is this : Lives of 
Christian Soldiers.” 

I found it on the table,” said Lavoison, answering 
the look. “ It was left for you, I fancy, by your friend, 
the Imperial Messenger.” 

Humph !” ejaculated the old man, ^‘1 have seen 
many soldiers in the armies of France, but not much' 
piety;” but he opened the book, and Lavoison left 
him interested in its pages. 

^^Now,” said the Surgeon to himself, as he descended 
the stairs, *^now for a messenger! Ha! Monsieur 
Marot is the man for this mission. It was lucky that 
I got his address from him.” Thinking which Lavoi- 
■son hastened in search of the young soldier. 


CHAPTER X. 


LAVOISON SENDS A LETTER TO BELLEVUE. 

Two hours afterv/ard this Louis Marot, mounted on 
a fine barb, was galloping along the road which leads 
to Bellevue. He was too much absorbed in his own 
thoughts to dwell upon the scene before him, but a man 
even in greater haste than his might have been par- 
doned had he pulled up on the hill between Meudon 
and Sevres, for from that point two leagues distant 
you see the windings of the Seine, and the great city 
in the distance. 

On that day the picture was enchanting The- 
thousand tints of tender green which the early Spring 
spreads upon the earth were visible on every hand. A 
silver gauze of vapor hung over the river, and the 
mists above the distant towers and roofs of Paris took 
a pallid, yet rich gold color under the brilliant sun. 
But Marot galloped along rather like a soldier bound 
for an outpost than a traveller bent on pleasure. Ev- 


86 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


idently he had not studied Emile, and was occupied 
with thoughts which excluded the aspect of the scene 
before him. He rode at a swinging gallop, his knees 
holding close to the saddle, his elbows in, his whole 
figure strong, but flexible. In this attitude the young 
soldier appeared to great advantage. He had a new 
dignity in his air, and rode like a man who felt him- 
self entitled to be mounted. At last he reined in his 
horse at the lodge gate of an imposing chateau, and 
here he paused to make an examination of the spot. 
It was clear that this was not the study of an artist : 
he surveyed the details of the picture not because of 
their beauty, but to identify the place. The chateau 
stood on a green eminence, with terraces sloping 
down towards the road, and clumps of noble trees 
grouped about it, with a thick stretch of picturesque 
woodland in the back ground. After a rapid survey 
of the scene, Marot nodded an affirmative to himself, 
as much as to say “ I have found the place,” touched 
his horse with the spur, and galloped through the gate- 
way, saying, with a smile : Ah ! yes, it was here 
that I first saw Madelon.” 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


87 


As he approached the chateau he moderated his 
pace, at the headlong speed of which the snuffy old 
lodge-keeper had been greatly scandalized, and when 
he threw himself from his horse he had lost something 
of his air of decision. 

“ For Madame Baudin," he said, as he handed his 
card to the laquais in waiting. On this he had writ- 
ten a line which hinted at rather than explained his 
mission. Following this man Marot found himself in 
a grand salon, rich in gilding and busts, and books 
and pictures. It commanded a view of the charming 
picture which he had disdained in his ride, and in all 
its appointments told of wealth combined with culti- 
vated taste and refinement. 

Umph !” said Marot, commerce has its victories, 
I see, as well as war, and Monsieur Baudin seems to 
have had his share of them.” 

At this moment a tall and stately lady swept into 
the room, advanced rapidly towards him, still holding 
his card in her hand. Monsieur Marot,” she cried, 
“ you are welcome ! Here, pray be seated ! And now 
tell me of my uncle and Madelon.” 


88 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


These words were poured out with all the volubility 
of a French woman, and the expression of her face 
showed that she felt in reality the anxiety she 
expressed. Madame Baudin was exceedingly hand- 
some. Her hair and eyes were intensely black, 
her complexion dark, her color warm, her fig- 
ure superb. She combined in her air and manner the 
Italian and French, which is but another way of say- 
ing that she was full of vivacity and grace. 

** Come !” she said, tapping her foot on the tufted 
carpet. ” Come ! I am all impatience !” 

Obedient to this command Marot drew forth a note 
from his bosom. Madame,” said he, *^this, from 
Monsieur Lavoison, a Doctor of Medicine, who attenda 
your uncle, v/ill explain the case to you better than 
any words of mine.” 

Madame Baudin devoured the note with eager eyes. 
Ah ! mon Dieu !” cried she, it is terrible to think of 
the folly of my good uncle. Monsieur Marot, you 
know, perhaps, that we have quarreled ?” 

The soldier shook his head. 

“No? Well, it is true. We have quarreled. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 89 

Just Heavens ! What is it I say? I confuse myself 
in my distress. The history is that my uncle has 
quarreled with me. Never for a moment has he lost 
his place in my heart.” And Madame Baudin pressed 
her well-shaped hands upon her bosom. Never,” 
she continued, have I forgotten Madelon.” 

As the young soldier looked at the animated face of 
his handsome hostess, he said to himself that the 
banker had been fortunate in other fields beside those 
of commerce. 

''Ah !” she cried, starting up, this estrangement 
must have an end ! Monsieur Marot, say to your 
friend — how do you call him ? — yes, say to Monsieur 
Lavoison that it shall be my care to see that his 
patient finds the ease which is needful to him in his 
old age. Here shall he find an asylum.” 

Half an hour afterwards Louis Marot was galloping 
back towards Paris so well pleased with his own 
thoughts that he paid no heed to the winding river, or 
the great city momentarily rising closer on his view. 


( 6 ) 


CHAPTER XL 


THE FENCINa MASTER PREPARES TO CHANGE HIS 
QUARTERS. 

The scene still lingers in the chamber of the 
Fencing Master. It' is the morning after the day on 
which Louis Marot made his visit to Madame Baudin. 
The only change in the picture is that the old man 
sits at the window, while Madelon is busy about the 
room. Deslond is reading the book which Monsieur 
the Messenger, as he calls him, is supposed to have 
left. At this moment there was a knock at the door. 
The Fencing Master laid down his book. 

** It is Monsieur Lavoison,'' said the young girl. 

Lavoison saluted Madelon, advanced straight to 
Pierre, took his hand, and, speaking abruptly, said : 

Quick surgery is the best ! my brave friend. Your 
niece, Madame Baudin, and her husband will pres- 
ently be here to inquire after your condition.’' 

Madelon came forward, her hands clasped, her eyes 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


91 


tearful and full of entreaty, but her voice refused to 
obey her will. Perhaps her attitude was more elo- 
quent than words. The heart of the old soldier soft- 
ened. Lavoison cried out : 

‘*Ah ! little one, we have the victory !” 

** Yes,” said Pierre, I am beaten, and surrender.” 

** You shall march out with the honors of war,” 
said the Doctor, colors flying, drums beating, and 
with all your baggage ! Yes, my brave Captain, with 
all the honors.” 

** With all my baggage?” said the Fencing Master. 

Yes,” cried Lavoison, ** with all your baggage ! 
for faith, old friend, you are to go this very day to the 
chateau of Madame Baudin.” 

** Impossible,” ejaculated Pierre, “impossible.” 

“ But it is true, nevertheless,” said Lavoison. You 
are to go into the country. Kemember, such is my 
order. They come to invite you.” 

At this moment there came a loud, nervous knock 
at the door. 

“Now,” said the Surgeon, pressing his hand firmly 
on the shoulder of his patient, “now, receive your 


92 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


niece as if nothing had happened. Eemember the 
terms of your capitulation. She is here ! 

At this announcement Madame Baudin entered the 
room. She folded Madelon in her arms, and the two 
women wept tears of happiness at the meeting, for 
they were dear to each other. Then, disengaging 
herself from Madelon, Madame Baudin embraced the 
old soldier, who was moved to tears by the affection 
of his niece. 

My dear uncle,” she whispered, smoothing back 
his gray hair with a gesture of infinite tenderness, 
this is to be no longer. Henceforward you belong 
to me — to Madelon and Julie, just so long as it pleases 
the good God that we shall live.” 

Disengaging herself from the old soldier, who found 
it necessary to cough, and even to snuffle, his niece 
turned toward Monsieur Baudin, who now came for- 
ward. This gentleman was grave and serious in his 
aspect, stout and rosy, well dressed, and much 
addicted to snuff. He was one of those men who grew 
rich for no other reason, apparently, than that they 
have been born to good luck, and rich he undoubtedly 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


93 


was. His wealth was generously used. To com- 
plete his portrait, he loved his wife, found a great 
pleasure in echoing her words, anticipating her 
wishes, and gratifying all her caprices. But with one 
exception : The least manifestation of a love of her old 
pursuits depressed him. Had he been a man of more 
force of character, and strength of will, he would have 
flown into a passion on such occasions ; but, as it was, 
when Madame Baudin read aloud some favorite play, 
which, to do her justice, she rarely " did, he only fell 
into a state of mild despair. 

He now came forward with grave politeness, shook 
the hand of Pierre, and assured him that he was 
<jharmed to find him improved in health. He then 
drew out his snuff-box, offered it to Deslond, and took 
u pinch with the air of a man who has a good con- 
science, He saw that Madame Baudin approved his 
deportment, and was happy. ^ 

That brilliant woman appeared to great advantage. 
Her dress was faultless — no woman in France had a 
better milliner ; but her superb complexion was beyond 
all art. She had seen Lavoison on entering the room ; 


94 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


she now observed him. He had modestly withdrawn 
himself from the family group, and affected great 
interest in one or two phials which stood on a window- 
sill in the rear of the apartment. Madelon followed 
the direction of her cousin's eyes, and smiled as she 
called ; “ Monsieur Lavoison 1" 

The Surgeon came forward. Monsieur Diaforius 
never looked graver. His affectation was immediately 
put to flight. Madame Baudin effected this in few 
words. 

^'Ahr' she cried, with a deepened color and 
sparkling eyes, shaking a subtle perfume from her 
dress by the energy of her gestures. '^Ah !" it is to you 
that we are indebted for this happiness. Monsieur, 
you have restored to me my uncle. A thousand 
thanks I” 

At this moment, aud just as the banker was repeat- 
ing his wife's words, a knock interrupted them. Louis 
Marot entered. He was flushed, and in haste. His 
eyes took in the scene at once. 

Pardon me," he said, this interruption, but I am 
under orders from the Minister of War. My horse 


OE, THE STOEY OF MADELON. 


95 


awaits me, and I Lave but a moment to say adieu. 
Madelon, you will not forget me ?’* 

The eyes of Madelon gave him his answer. He 
pressed the Fencing Master’s hand, said a word to 
Lavoison, bowed to the company, and disappeared. 

Half an hour later Pierre Deslond and his daughter 
were driving towards Bellevue in the gilded chariot 
of the rich banker. 


CHAPTER XIL 


A WASP AMONG THE HOSES. 

The Spring had given place to Summer. Deslond 
and his daughter had, indeed, found an asylum in the 
chateau of the banker. Madame Baudin and Madelon 
were as sisters, and in congenial tastes found per- 
petual pleasure in their friendship. Together they 
now came out upon the terrace. The sun was sink- 
ing, and his last rays lit up the landscape. But who 
would have studied the scenery in presence of two 
such brilliant women ! Madelon was' no longer the 
shrinking girl we have seen before. Contact with her 
cousin, a sense of ease, freedom from care, and, above 
all, love, had expanded the bud into the blossom ; and, 
let us be candid, she had the milliner of Madame 
Baudin. 

Julie, however, studied the scene. Then she said : 
“ The evening promises to be all that we could ask. 
To-night, Madelon, you must look your best, in honor 
of my birth-day fete. Would you believe it ? I am 


OE, THE STOEY OF MADELON. 


97 


twenty-seven years old this day, and feel myself 
an old woman. Ah ! little one, I renew my youth in 
you.” 

Julie said this with perfect gravity. She had been 
married five years to a wealthy and indulgent man, 
old enough to be her father, and had sacrificed many 
of her tastes ; so that, measuring time by the restraints 
in which she lived, she seriously fancied herself an 
old woman. 

Madelon smiled as she answered : It is droll that 
you should talk thus of yourself. Your mirror would 
tell you a different story.” 

At this moment, a laquais^ in rich livery, approached 
the pair, and handed to Madelon a letter. 

Permit me,” she said, and broke the seal. A deep 
fiush overspread her face and neck, her lips parted in 
a smile, and she cried out in a tone of exquisite 
delight, Julie, he is coming !” 

“And who is this unknown knight, Madelon? 
Monsieur Marot, by the color of your cheeks.” 

“ Yes, Louis Marot. He tells me — but, here, read 
his letter for yourself.” 


98 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


Madame Baudin glanced at the paper and replied : 

This friend of yours seems to be a busy man. His 
stay is to be short, and I must have him here this 
evening to see how his Madelon has improved during 
his absence.’' 

At this moment the banker and Deslond joined 
them. Ah ! ladies !” cried that stout and rosy gen- 
gentleman, ‘4f I may be permitted — ah — you look — 
ah — ^like two roses.” And Monsieur Baudin took a 
prodigious pinch of snuff, and felt that glow of satis- 
faction which accompanies the consciousness of a fine 
speech, or a good action. 

Pierre was very much of the banker’s opinion, but 
being, as he said himself, infirm of eloquence, and 
uncouth of speech, he contented himself with an ener- 
getic nod of approval. 

“And now,” said Madame Baudin, “ Madelon and 
I must go to make our sacrifices to the Graces.” 

Already the darkness had gathered, and the trees 
about the chateau began to sparkle with variegated 
lamps. A sudden rushing sound broke on the tran- 
quil air, and a glittering d’ eau shot up from the 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


99 ' 


terrace. The lights within the chateau were rapidly 
multiplied, and in the midst of these splendors the 
excellent Monsieur Baudin felt a glow of pride and 
satisfaction at the thought that the birth-day of his 
wife was to be celebrated not unworthily. 

At this moment the first carriage passed the porter's 
lodge. It contained Greneral Bravard and our old 
acquaintance, Desselais. He sat with his hat pulled 
over his eyes, but when the glare of an occasional lamp 
fell upon his face it was of a stony pallor. Since we 
last saw him his life had been little better than 
desperate, and in place of wine he had substi- 
tuted brandy. This was the nearest approach he had 
made to Paris since his memorable adventure at 
Lavoison’s. His companion was speaking as they 
passed the gate. 

Desselais,” he said, “this is folly. Why vex your- 
self about your — what d’ye call her ? — your Madelon ?‘ 
This conduct in a man who knows the world is beyond 
belief.” And, by way of enforcing his remark. Gen- 
eral Bravard shrugged his shoulders, and thumped 
upon the bottom of the carriage with his sword. 


100 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


Tush,” cried Desselais, preach me no sermons. 
I know all that, and yet I am — an ass.” 

“ Upon that point,” replied his companion, with a 
dry smile, “ I shall not venture an opinion.” 

Suddenly Desselais pulled the check string, and the 

•carriage stopped opposite a dense growth of trees. 

o 

Here,” said he, I leave you.” 

^'Kemember, then,” cried Bravard, “we must have 
no scenes — no violence !” 

Desselais made no answer, but leaped from the car- 
riage and disappeared. 

“ Humph !” ejaculated the General, “ this cousin of 
mine is insufferable. Were it not for the fine fortune 
my good uncle, the contractor, left him, I should cut 
his acquaintance ; but, as it is, I am his heir at law, 
and if he dies unmarried I shall roll in this carriage 
as my own.” 

For the next hour there was an incessant rumble of 
wheels through the grounds of the chateau. Soldiers 
and senators, and wits and scholars, and brilliant 
women thronged the salons, or sauntered on the ter- 
races. Monsieur Baudin was in raptures, and took 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


101 


snuff with an energy he had never exhibited before. 
Deslond, as he said, had intended to beat an early 
retreat, but the beauty of Madelon had so gratified him, 
that he remained to watch her innocent enjoyment- 
And now Deslond was puzzled by a face. Madelon 
was hanging on the arm of a Colonel of the Line. 

Fester said the old man, 'Hhey seem good 
friends !" 

Then he suddenly rubbed ,his eyes, and cried out 
in a tone which made those about him smile, 
thousand devils ! but it is Monsieur Marot.” 

This discovery filled the heart of old Pierre with 
delight, for in his eyes a field officer of the French 
army was little less than a demi-god ; what was bet- 
ter, a possible Marshal. At this moment Marot’a 
eyes rested on Deslond. At once Madelon and the 
brave Colonel began to make their way towards tho 
old man. They saluted each other cordially. 

'^Come,” said Marot, '‘my good friend ; let us get 
upon the terrace, where we can talk. 

Deslond followed, still bewildered, and the three 
sauntered slowly down the marble steps, slowly by the 


102 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


great fountain, and slowly on into the tender gloom of 
the shaded walks. In an open space, where the dim 
light shone on a statue of Diana, the trio halted. 

''And now,’^ said Marot, in a soft voice, but not in 
a low tone, for character and profession had made him 
ignorant of this, " and now I ask you for your daugh- 
ter. We are on the eve of stirring events, and I am 
ambitious to call Madelon my wife, old man, before I 
march.” 

As the soldier spoke, the black shadow of the statue 
moved. Desselais crouched down at its base, and 
ground his teeth in an impotent fury. 

Deslond answered : " Plain talk is to my taste. 
Pine words ram blank cartridges. You would marry 
Madelon ? I give her to you. But when, is a ques- 
tion to be considered further. And — humph ! I have 
misplaced my snuff-box. Come let us^return.” 

And the old soldier lagged in the rear, and wiped 
his eyes more than once before he reached the terrace. 
On their return they met General Bravard, who was 
in search of Desselais. Chance led him to the spot 
where his kinsman stood. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


103 


As he recognized him, Bravard said : “Ah ! I am in 
luck. I was in search of you.” 

“And you,” replied Desselais, “are the man above 
all others whom I would see. You must do me a ser- 
vice.” 

“Ask anything but money,” was the answer. “ If 
you want advice, now, I’m your man.” 

“Pes^e/” cried Desselais, “no jesting, I am in 
deadly earnest. There is a man here whom I hate.’^ 

“A friend of yours?” 

“A friend? No. I tell you I hate him. He is 
my enemy.” And thus speaking he waved his 
arms above his head, and- ground out a bitter impre- 
cation through his clenched teeth. 

“Very good,” was the cool reply, “but you forget 
that the dictionary of life often gives the same mean- 
ing to those words ; in fact, they are often synonyms.” 

“ Pshaw !” cried Desselais. “ Keep that for the 
salon ! There is a man here whom I would meet at 
moonrise.” 

“ Sunrise would be better,” said the General. 

“ In this case there can be no delay — not a minute.” 


104 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


You are bent on throat-cutting?’' 

“You torment me with your devlish composure^. 
Will you arrange this for me?" 

“ Eemember the Imperial decree ! This would 
touch my commission.” 

“ Curse your commission ! But remember this, if I 
fall, you are my next of kin.” 

“ Ha ! Ha I Ha !” laughed the General. “ Your 
logic is not to be resisted. But two things are neces- 
sary. We must go beyond the grounds of Monsieur 
Baudin. You promise that?” 

“Yes. It matters nothing to me about the place,, 
so there is no delay.” 

“ Next, then, what is his name ?” 

“Marot — Louis Marot.” 

“The devil! Well, let me arrange. I will order 
the carriage to the West gate. I will send for swords ; 
and meet me here in an hour.” 

General Bravard moved off at a rapid pace, and 
Desselais retired to the base of the statue. He had 
hardly regained his position when Madelon and Mon- 
sieur Lavoison sauntered by with a gay troop. They 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


105 


passed so close to his place of concealment that he 
could hear the rustle of her dress and see the glitter of 
the pearls on her neck. He heard her speak as if in 
answer to a question from her companion. Her words 
were few and simple, but they sent a pang of jealous 
rage and pain to the heart of Desselais. 

She said : Yes, I am happy. I think I loved him 
from the first, and then — 

Ha ! Ha ! Ha !” laughed Lavoison. Pardon 
me for spoiling the poetry of our talk, but I thought of 
that first day when we saw our Colonel in disguise, 
and how my friend Desselais played battering ram !” 

And they passed on under the shadow of the 
trees laughing. At this moment a man, in a military 
undress, came into the light, bearing a bundle under 
his arm. He looked around. Then he spoke aloud : 

The West gate ? Where the devil is the West 
gate ? I’ll go and inquire.” 

Saying this he deposited his burthen under the 
shadow of a tree, and as he did so Desselais heard a 
metallic click, which filled him with a savage joy; he 
understood this was the servant with the swords. A 

( 7 ) 


106 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


hasty footfall approached, and General Bravard ap- 
peared. Desselais sprang from his place of conceal- 
ment. 

Well, my friend,” said the General, the pleasure 
you desired is denied you.” 

^^Den^me? How?” 

Easily enough. This fellow will not fight.” 

Coward ! I will degrade him !” 

^^With all my heart! And take my advice. Go 
back to my quarters. Good night.” 

Again General Bravard retired, and it is no injustice 
to that warrior to say that being next of kin to Besse- 
lais, he was chagrind at the failure of his mission. 

Bravard had hardly disappeared when Madelon and 
Lavoison returned at the same slow pace. They were 
within a few steps of the statue when a gentlemen 
following them rushed impetuously up to the Surgeon, 
and in words broken by lack of breath and agitation, 
implored him to render succor to Monsieur Aubin, who 
had fallen in a fit. 

Here, then,” cried the Surgeon, Madelon, upon 
this bench I will leave you, but only for a moment. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


107 


I will find means to send Marot, or your father.” 

‘^Nay, never trouble yourself about me,” said Made- 
Ion, ^^but fly to the unfortunate !” 

She was alone but for a moment. Desselais saw his 
opportunity. Madelon looked up and recognized him. 
His face was white, his hair and dress disordered. 

You here?” she asked, and her tone was cold and 
a little scornful. 

Yes,” said he in a hoarse whisper. Yes, I am 
here. I have heard all your foolish talk, and I tell 
you — do you hear me ? — I swear that you shall never 
be that man’s wife. Listen, my carriage is at the 
West gate, fly with me — ” 

Monsieur,” said Madelon, ^^this is folly— make 
way, sir, none but cowards try to frighten women.” 

Desselais uttered a terrible curse. He heard foot- 
steps approaching; two persons were coming at a rapid 
pace, and from different directions. The first upon the 
scene was Marot. 

Sir,” said he, “ what is the meaning of this out- 
rage ?” 

He had not recognized his enemy. In answer, Dea- 


108 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


selais, now beside himself with fury, ran to the swords,, 
snatched them from their hiding place, hurled one to- 
wards Marot and broke into a savage peal of laughter. 

Draw ! Monsieur,’^ he cried, draw ! I am in luck 
to-night ! The Devil takes sides with me.” Wild as 
he was, he was yet self-possessed enough to see that 
the servant had returned. His sword was already 
bare when Madelon sprang before him. He fell back 
a step and whispered to the man : 

Fifty Napoleons if you hold this girl for one- 
minute.” 

The temptation was too strong for the new-comer’s 
discretion. He seized Madelon and dragged her aside. 
Desselais sprang forward, there was the clash of steel, 
the scream of a woman, the trampling of many feet, 
the uproar of many voices. Among the number drawa 
to the scene was Bravard. 

‘^Ha!” said he to himself, came near entering 
on my estate. Desselais you bleed ! you are wounded.” 

Only a scratch !” was the answer. 

General Bravard sighed as he assured himself that 
such was the fact, then turning to the young soldier 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


109 


lie said ; Colonel Marot, this is in violation of the 
Imperial decree ! It is my painful duty to order you 
in arrest.” 

It was thus that the fete came to an end, and before 
the throng separated General Bravard had contrived 
to inform the great personages present that Colonel 
Marot was one of the best officers in his Brigade, for 
it was to this he belonged, but that he was rash and 
hot-headed, and a great swordsman. And the more 
the Brigadier praised the Colonel, the darker became 
the character of his subordinate. General Bravard 
knew how to stab without flourishing his dagger, or 
staining his hands. 


CHAPTEE XIIL 


THE PENALTY.^ 

General Bravard filled himself a glass of wine, and 
pushed the bottle towards his companion. 

Come,’' he said, Desselais, j^ou are hard to satisfy » 
Faith ! I call it quick work ! It is not a fortnight 
since your adventure, and here we are at the end of 
the trial, and the papers before the Minister of War !” 

Hard to satisfy ?” cried Desselais, tossing off a tum- 
bler of wine, at a gulp, Hard to satisfy ? I tell you 
that I hate this man ! — that I burn personally to 
avenge myself !” and he started up in a fit of passion. 

Tush, man !” said Bravard, this is childish.. 
You pant for vengeance, and I tell you that his degra- 
dation is certain. What more do you want ?” 

But, is his degradation certain?” asked Desselais.. 

Beyond a doubt. The fantastic fool summoned no 
witness. That girl would have saved him ; but he 
refused to permit her appearance. He called this deli- 


OR, THE STORY OF MA.DELON. 


Ill 


cacy, I presume ; I call it folly. And between our- 
selves, Desselais, I am not sorry, for I bate bim myself.” 

“Ab ! youbatebim? Your bate is nothing to mine. 
But wby ?” 

“Well, I am not given to strong emotions — umpb ! 
tbe bottle is empty ! — and yet my bate is very genuine. 
I bave a sbrewd suspicion that be stood an excellent 
cbance to bave my Brigade. Tbink of that ! and then 
fancy that I love bim if you can ! Now, as tbe case 
stands, there is no cbance of this. Tbe feeling against 
bim is one of exasperation. He broke the Imperial 
decree, and what is perhaps worse, violated the hospi- 
tality of Monsieur Baudin. He will be broken to tbe 
ranks. Then away goes bis fine romance, and away 
goes a rival in my profession, which is that of arms, 
and away goes a rival in yours, which is — love- 
making.” 

“ But,” said Desselais, “ I am not so certain of this. 
Madelon and Madame Baudin will appeal to tbe Min- 
ister of War.” 

“ Make yourself easy, my brave cousin,” said Bra- 
vard, with a smile, “ I tbink tbe story has been so told 


112 


UNDER TEE EMPIRE; 


to the Minister that an appeal would be in vain. Tush 
man ! his conviction was necessary to me, and without 
his punishment I lose my game. Do you understand 
“ And he will feel this, will he? Deeply, keenly, 
bitterly ?” 

“ Feel it!" cried Bravard, ‘'why man, death would 
be a blessihg in comparison. He loses rank, reputa- 
tion, pay, promotion, and the fair Madelon, all at one 
blow I He is routed, horse, foot and dragoons I” 

Desselais smiled bitterly at this picture, and took 
the empty bottle to refill his glass. At this both men 
laughed and the General touched his sonnette^ saying as 
he did so : " Yes, we will drink his health." 

The wine was brought, and the mocking ceremony 
performed with a diabolical satisfaction. 

" Coward 1" cried Desselais, replacing his glass upon 
the table with such violence as to shatter it, at which 
the General smiled, while inwardly he cursed him as an 
awkward brute, " Coward, scelerat ! he deserved it !’* 
" Nay,” said Bravard, " you make a great mistake. 
Coward he is not, rather a fool. I have seen him 
charge through a fire which the Devil would have 


OE, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


113 


found uncomfortably hot. Ass if you choose, but not 
coward !” 

Why then refuse to fight ?” asked Desselais, who 
resented in his own mind the defense of Marot’s cour- 
age, Why then refuse to fight ^ 

Humph 1” was the answer, “ the reason, if it may 
be called by that name, is too absurd almost to be told. 
He is a great friend to a meddlesome Priest — Father 
Paul I think they call him — and the old hypocrite has 
pursuaded him that it is a sin — mark you ! — to cut 
throats — unless you are paid for it ! Was there ever 
anything so absurd ? Just Heaven ! I am bewildered 
at such folly !” 

But Desselais, the baser villian of the two, still 
clung to his doubts, and cried in a tone of scornful 
incredulity, ^'but surely you do not believe this story 
Believe it ? Certainly. The man is an idiot, and 
idiots are capable of anything — even of a conscience.” 

At this moment they were interrupted by a smart 
rap at the door. 

Enter !” cried Bravard, and in obedience to the 
word Captain Clarion presented himself. 


114 


UNDEE THE EMPIRE : 


said the General, who considered himself 
one of the most amiable men in the French army, 
Ah ! you are in good time. Let me fill you a glass 
of wine 1" 

At that moment Bravard could have embraced his 



Aide, for he was terribly afflicted 


his savage kinsman. Captain Clarion was a handsome 
young fellow, who found his religion in the tri-color, 
and beheld one of its high Priests in every General 
officer. Having drank his, wine, with a shower of 
civilities upon his companions, he drew forth a great 
official document and presented it to Bravard. 

“ From Paris ?” asked the General. 

From Paris, and within the hour.” 

'^By your permission, gentlemen,” said Bravard, 
and he tore open the paper. With a rapid glance he 
discovered its contents. His face flushed, and his eyes 
sparkled with pleasure. 

Ha,” he cried, Clarion ! good news ! We move 
to-morrow.” 

Speaking thus, Bravard buckled on his sword, and 
turning to Desselais held out a paper. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


115 


“ There,” said he, my brave cousin, is the Minis- 
ter’s approval of the sentence on your friend. Colonel 
Marot is Colonel no longer! He marches in the ranks 
to-morrow.” 

In the ranks ?” cried Desselais. 

'^Yes, in the ranks, musket on shoulder and knap- 
sack on back 1” 

^^Then,” sneered Besselais, with a diabolical grin> 
** I must be there to see him off.” 

“ Yes,” said Bravard, settling his chapeau on his 
head, and drawing on his gloves, Yes, that will be a 
polite attention. Adieu.” 

And with a wave of his hand General Bravard sallied 
out, followed by Captain Clarion, both officers trailing 
their sabres as they strode, and making a prodigious^ 
clatter. 


OHAPIEE, XIV. 


MONSIEUR LAVOISON SHOWS HIMSELF TO BE A MAN OF 
AFFAIRS. 

If we could register with accuracy, and, from time 
to time, compare our emotions, we would begin to 
doubt our own identity, and end by comprehending, 
in part, the infinite capacities of our spiritual nature. 
The most severe intelligence is incapable of such com- 
parison, and hence with nearly all of us the last emo- 
tion seems the most intense. It was for the lack of 
this ability that Madame Baudin and Madelon assured 
themselves that they were more wretched than they 
had ever been. Both were in error, for both had for- 
gotten. When Julie found herself deprived of her 
brave father, when Madelon's excellent mother died, 
they had been more deeply afflicted than they were 
now. But the present pain was sharper than the 
memory of that which was past. Surprise had given 
a keener edge to their grief. Marot's offence, if any 
die had committed, was trivial in comparison with its 


OE, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


117 


punishment. This they had not expected. Excluded 
from the trial by the delicacy of Marot, they had 
endeavored to enlighten the Minister of War. He had 
heard them with patience, and the most charming air 
of politeness ; but when the interview was over he had 
taken a pinch of snuff, and had said to himself : 

Faith ! I believe both these pretty women are in 
love with this young fellow ! But we must make an 
example — and I will make a note of it.” 

When the finding of the Court came, he approved it 
without hesitation, and forgot to make his note. 

Thus it happened that Julie and Madelon were over- 
whelmed at the severity of the sentence. It was too 
late to intervene. The French army was in motion. 
Marot had marched, and Desselais was triumphant. 
As for Captain Deslond, he had been speechless with 
grief and rage. He began to doubt even the issue of 
the campaign, and found consolation only in the 
society of the Imperial Messenger, who, from time to 
time, visited the chateau, and who promised, with great 
heat, never to leave the case of Marot until justice was 
done the unhappy youth. 


118 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


Monsieur Baudin shared in the general distress in a 
mild way, and Lavoison was the only one of the little 
group interested in Marot who professed to be hope- 
ful of the young soldier’s future. At short intervals 
he came to the chateau, and was always a welcome 
guest, for he brought cheering words and a keen wit 
devoted to the service of his friends. But the truth 
was, Lavoison could give himself no satisfactory reasons 
for his more hopeful view of the young soldier’s case. 
•Still he resolutely maintained that speedy justice would 
be done, and did so with such heat that a keen ob- 
server would have seen that often he was as anxious 
to persuade himself of the truth of his professed con- 
victions as to convince his friends. 

Already Marot was on the territory of the enemy. 
The splendid genius of the Emperor was as yet invin- 
cible. The pride and vanity of France were gratified. 
What did it matter to the Minister of War that he had 
forgotten to make the note in Marot’s case, which he 
had promised ? 

It was on the morning of a day when the Moniteur 
had blazed with a bulletin announcing a victory, that 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


119 


Lavoison found himself on his way to the chateau. He 
felt a profound interest in his friends. Through them 
he had found that there is an exquisite pleasure in good 
actions. He was rarely seen at the cafes and theatres, 
for he had become a student. His friendship for the 
old Fencing Master was unaffected, and having con- 
stituted himself, in part, his guardian, he was now 
about *to suggest to him a necessary piece of business. 
Perhaps Lavoison, like all persons unaccustomed to 
affairs, exaggerated the importance of that he had in 
hand, which, however, he flattered himself had been 
carried forward with address. It was of this that he 
thought as he rode through the gateway of the cha- 
teau. Dismounted, he hurried into the salon, where 
Madame Baudin received him. 

Ah 1 my friend !" she cried, holding out her hand, 
** Ah ! my friend, your presence is sunshine to us I 
You are always welcome.” 

“And what could be fitter for the flowers I find 
here than sunshine ?” cried Lavoison with his most gal- 
lant air. “ But,” continued he, “ I have a word for 
my brave friend, the Captain here — nay, Madame, it 


120 


UNDEK THE EMPIRE ; 


is for you to hear, and upon it you can advise us. I 
pride myself on this negotiation, and hope for your 
approval and that of Madelon.” 

Here he cast a glance over the salon, which Madame 
Baudin interpreted and answered : Ah ! dear Mad- 
elon has heard of this blood-brought victory of ours, 
and keeps her chamber. The fete days of France are 
fasts to her, poor child.'' 

It is as I supposed," said Lavoison. Suspense 
is terrible ! But; I must not forget my affair. Cap- 
tain Deslond, I have found a purchaser for your fencing 
school. After much diplomacy I bring you an offer 
of five hundred francs ; too little, it is true, but not 
to be despised." 

The old man was startled at this announcement, 
and replied vaguely, But should I not be selling my 
independence ?" 

^^Hush!" cried Madame Baudin, remember that 
here you have found the home of your honorable age. 
Monsieur Lavoison, I will answer for him. He ac- 
cepts your offer with gratitude and thanks." 

Thus did the beautiful woman, full of energy and 


OK, THE STOKY OF MADELON. 


121 


decision, settle the question for her uncle, who, in 
truth, was ready to lay down his gauntlets and his art. 

** Madame,” cried Lavoison, you are as wise as ” — 
He was about to say as you are beautiful,” but he 
left the words unspoken, while the lady smiled and 
blushed her answer. It is settled, then, my brave 
friend, save that you must personally attend to turn- 
ing over your school to the new master. What say 
you to doing this to-morrow ?” 

As you will,” said the old man, “ at noon to-mor- 
row ;” and he rose, filled with conflicting emotions, 
and passed slowly out on the terrace. 

A shadow fell over the face of Lavoison, and he said 
to himself : My old friend must be looked after. 
Emotions seem to shake him too much for safety.” 

With the departure of Deslond, the conversation 
flagged. At last the silence grew oppressive. Lavoi- 
son made his farewell, and rode back to Paris at a foot 
pace, full of thought. Before he reached the barrier, 
he had begun seriously to meditate a campaign under 
the tri-color. 


( 8 ) 


CHAPTER XV. 


HIC VICTOR REPONO CAESTUS ARTEMQUE. 

The Fencing Master's room had undergone no change 
during his absence. The impliments of his art still 
hung upon the walls, and the little knots of ribbon 
showed their gay colors undimned. Lavoison had, as 
he expressed it, outrun his shadow, in bringing together 
the group of pupils whom we have already seen in this 
same apartment. In addition, he had brought the 
man who was to sncceed Deslond. 

Monsieur Fleuret was a tall, sinewy fellow, who 
perpetually reminded his hearers of the fact that he 
had been Maitre d'Arms to the immortal Fifty -second 
Regiment of the Line. He was a skillful swordsman, 
and told marvellous stories of his performances with 
the pistol. He stood in the middle of the hall, 
clad in a half military costume, and carried a brass- 
bound case under his arm. 

** Yes," he said, gentlemen, I shall teach also the 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


123 


art of the pistol. Here have I brought also a target, 
and you shall soon be able to kill your hundred pigeons 
above the roofs — pigeons upon full flight. Yes, gentle- 
men, I have been thought to have skill with the pistol 
as well as the sword ! When I was in the Fifty-second 
Regiment of the Line, my Colonel stuck a letter on a 
board. 

He said: “ Fleuret, you see this?” 

I said, Yes, my Colonel.” 

He said, Look well !” 

I said, “ I see perfectly.” 

“ Then my Colonel stepped off twenty paces — he had 
long legs gentlemen — turned me the back of the 
board — you understand, gentlemen, the back of the 
board — and, while he held me the board, called out : 
^ Ready! Aim! Fire!' And, gentlemen, my bullet 
went straight through that letter, which I no longer 
saw. Ah ! ha ! I had measured the distances with 
my eye, and one side of that board was the same to 
me as the other!” 

How long Monsieur Fleuret would have continued 
in this strain it is impossible to say, but at this rao- 


124 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


menb Deslond appeared on the threshold. The old 
man was glad to lay aside his foil, but it was with an 
emotion of sadness, nevertheless, that he entered the 
familiar room. 

At once Monsieur Fleuret moved forward. His de- 
portment was a study, and the majesty of his air was 
not lost upon his gay pupils. The formal transfer of 
the school was effected, and the new Master was about 
to begin his instructions, when the old man in brown 
abruptly entered. His habitual repose had given 
place to an eager air. His bright eyes rested on 
Deslond, and his whole face became radiant with a 
smile. 

“Ah \” he cried, “Old friend, I am bearer of good 
news !” 

Pierre turned pale and red by turns, but rather 
seemed to gasp for breath than to attempt to speak. 

The man in brown continued in the midst of a dead ^ 
silence, “know first of all that your name has been 
placed on the pension list !" 

At this announcement the company shouted with 
delight. The speaker held up his hand. They under- 


OK, THE STOKY OF MADELON. 


125 


stood that this was not all. “And I have tidings of 
Marot !” 

“ A thousand thanks !” stammered Pierre. 

“ Thank not man, but God,” said the old man with 
dignity. 

Deslond bowed his head and the great tears streamed 
down his cheeks. Lavoison stood beside him. 

“You have tidings of Marot? Good tidings, by 
your face ?” said the Surgeon. 

“ Yes, good tidings. In the last battle General 
Bravard was killed and Marot was promoted Captain 
on the field.” 

The old soldier clasped his hands and cried out in 
a shrill voice : “Thank God, the unjust stain is wiped 
away from a brave man’s name !” 

He tottered for a moment and fell into the arms of 
Lavoison. 

“Stand back ! gentlemen,” cried the Surgeon, in a 
tone of authority. “ Stand back ! He needs air. 
Throw open the door!” 

Speaking thus, he stretched Deslond upon the floor. 
A flush came upon his forehead. He opened his eyes 


12G 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


and smiled on Lavoison. Then he held out his hand 
and said : ‘^Aid me to rise. It is nothing. I am well." 

At this moment the old man who had brought the 
good news appeared with a flask of wine, and Deslond, 
revived by it, took a seat against the wall, bewildered, 
eager, full of curiosity, but happy. 

And now," comrade, he said, by what name am I 
to thank you ? Eemember, as yet it is unknown to 
me." 

“My name? Well, give me your hand. Now do 
not start. I hope it will amuse you. I am that ras- 
cally old fellow. Father Paul." 

“ It is as I suspected," said Pierre, pressing the good 
Priest’s hand in both his own. “ It is as I suspected." 

“And now," said Lavoison, “ I must assert my 
authority. My brave friend, your room is as you left 
it. Withdraw a while with the good father, and com- 
pose yourself." 

When the two old men had withdrawn, a new im- 
pulse was given to the conversation by the arrival of 
one of the former pupils of the school. . 

“Ah ! Lavoison," he cried, “ I have found you ! I 


OR, THE STORY OP MADELON. 


127 


have a piece of rare news, which you will enjoy. 
Your friend — Bah ! recall his name — he who made 
Desselais play battering-ram !" 

^^Marot — Louis Marot,” answered the Surgeon. 

^'Ah ! yes, Marot. Well, he has been promoted 
Colonel.^’ 

Captain, I think,” said Lavoison. 

No, Colonel. I have a cousin who is a clerk to the 
Minister of War, and he told me that the fact was 
publicly announced. He said, moreover, that they 
would have made him General of Brigade, but for his 
foolish affair in old Baudin’s garden !” 

Faith !” cried the Surgeon, ^^the news is like good 
wine, it grows better as it grows older ! Now, a word 
in your ear. Tell your cousin there was no duel. 
Marot only defended a lady against insult.” 

Then,” said the youth -vyhose cousin was a clerk 
to the Minister of War, ^^if this, can be established his 
further promotion is beyond a doubt.” 

During all this time Monsieur Fleuret was growing 
more and more impatient. His pupils were absorbed 
in talking of a man of whom he had never heard, and 


128 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


for half an hour he had nob been able to speak once 
of the Fifty-second Regiment of the Line. 

He determined on a bold stroke to impress the com- 
pany. He brought forth his target and adjusted it on 
its tripod. The eiffect was instantaneous : he became 
at once the centre of attraction. Next he pro- 
duced the pistols, which were superbly mounted in 
silver. 

“ These,” said he, admiring them, “these, gentlemen, 
men, are spoils of war. When I was in the Fifty-second 
I captured these from an Austrian. They were made 
by the perfidious English. There is the mark, and, 
Parhleu ! they came naturally into the hands of a 
Frenchman. Now, then, gentlemen, they are loaded. 
Who will fire the first shot?” 

By accident he selected Lavoison, or perhaps 
because he saw that he was a person of authority 
among his comrades. The Surgeon took the pistol 
which Monsieur Fleuret extended, and the more 
readily because he saw that Desselais, his face dis- 
figured by indulgence in bad passions and brandy, 
had joined the company. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


129 


Now,” said Lavoison, ^‘who can give me a playing 
card ?” 

‘‘ It happens,” said the Maitre d'ArmSy with a 
grimace, ^‘it happens that I can supply Monsieur,” 
and he drew a pack of well-used cards from his bosom 
as he spoke. Lavoison selected the ace of clubs, at- 
tached it to the target, stepped off twenty paces, 
wheeled and fired. 

The second pistol,” he said. 

This he discharged with the same rapidity. The 
pupils pressed forward and gathered in a group about 
the target. Lavoison, they saw to their amazement, 
had converted the ace into a tray. 

And now,” said the Surgeon to Desselais, ‘^a word 
with you. Monsieur.” 

The two men drew themselves apart from the com- 
pany. 

desire to ask,” said Lavoison, ^‘if you received 
fifty Napoleons which I returned to you ?” 

Yes,” was the sullen answer. 

That is sufficient,” said Lavoison. 


130 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


Not SO !” cried Desselais, ^^you owe me an atone- 
ment ! Say when and where?” 

*^Pish!” ejaculated the Surgeon, '^you see what I 
can do with the pistol ! I could pick that diamond 
out of your bosom at twenty paces. Think better 
of it.” 

Desselais was no coward ; but he took the advice 
of Lavoison.” 


CHAPTER XVI. 


MADAME BAUDIN ATTENDS TO A PIECE OF BUSINESS. 

The Summer had departed, the leaves were falling,, 
and the mists of evening, which came up from the dis- 
tant river, were chill and damp. Madame Baudin 
and Madelon sat together, and a part of their history 
was told in their attire. Both were in mourning... 
Pierre Deslond had been found dead in his bed, with 
a serene smile upon his lips, and had been buried,, 
amid the tears of his friends, by Father Paul. But 
this was not all : Madame Baudin found herself, also, 
a widow, and the rich banker had been laid in Pere 
la Chaise, then newly consecrated. 

Cares, pain, and anxiety had left their traces upon. 
Julie and Madelon, but their beauty was unimpaired.. 
The widow was more thoughtful in appearance. Her 
energy, sometimes abrupt and dramatic, had given 
place to an air of repose and dignity. 

Madelon had changed into a woman of rare and. 


132 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


spirituelle beauty. The intense brilliancy of her corn- 
complexion was subdued; her face was thinner; but what 
she had lost in color, she had gained in expression. 

In looking at these two fair women one saw that 
grief can often do for the human face what the mist 
does for the landscape. 

Madame Baudin held a book in her hand from 
which she had been reading. It was one of the plays 
of that great man of whom Napoleon said, that had he 
lived in his day he would have made him a Prince. 

“It is wonderful," said Madame Baudin, slowly 
stretching forth her hand, with something of her 
old manner in the gesture. “ It is wonderful to see 
how the genius of Cornille has made the impossible 
appear not only possible, but reasonable. There 
could not have been a woman, even in Spain, like 
Ghimene, yet we forget this in the play, and it is only 
when one thinks over it, that one sees the great 
audacity and the great genius of the Poet." 

And Madame Baudin’s color rose as she spoke. 
Perhaps she sighed to think of her career, interrupted 
lust as she had begun to feel herself mistress of her art. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


133 


*^Yes,” said Madelon, who was in full sympathy 
with her cousin’s tastes, yes, Cornille felt that him- 
self, I think, for he only suggests the strange marriage 
of Chimene and Rodrigue. But, as you say, he has 
rendered the impossible reasonable in appearance. 

It is here,” cried Julie, starting up, ^^that great 
geniuses delight to show their power. They take 
exceptions to the familiar rule. It is thus that Cor- 
nille has produced Le Oid, and the English Shakes- 
peare his Hamlet !” 

And Madame Baudin swept across the room with a 
stately air, fired by her theme, and warmed by her 
admiration of the Poet. It was true that she had 
loved her art, true also that she had married the rich 
banker under what she felt to be a necessity, and true 
that she had made him a dutiful wife. This thought, 
added to the reflection that her marriage had given 
great happiness to her dying mother, made her chief 
comfort in reviewing the past. It is the motive 
which gives complexion to the act. As she paced the- 
floor she continued a rapid criticism on the author 
whose works were in her hand, and the justice of her 


134 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


reflections showed that she had been a student not 
unworthy of the text. 

A tap upon the door arrested her. Enter/' she 
said, and Louison, her maid, obeyed the permission. 

Madame," said she, making a reverence. Monsieur 
Causal is below, and waits your pleasure. 

Madelon rose. ^^Nay!” cried Madame Baudin. 

Eemain ! I have no secrets from you. Louison, 
show Monsieur Causal up. I shall be glad," she con- 
tinued, ^^to have done with this. Until I hear his 
report I can form no plans for the future, and in these, 
little one, I shall want your aid." 

At this moment Monsieur Causal entered. He was a 
Notary of the old school, and would have been scandal- 
ized had he been mistaken for anything but a Notary. 
He was small, old, honest, well educated, and as agree- 
able as a man can be who has but one idea — that of his 
‘OWi^ profession. 

*^Ah I Monsieur Causal," said Julie, receiving him 
with a grave smile and outstretched hand, ‘^ah ! you are 
punctual. Be seated. You must need repose after 
your journey !" 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


135 


“ I trust, Madame,” replied tlie little man, “ that I 
shall never be convicted of delay in your service ; and, 
as for fatigue — Ha ! I find my pleasure in occupa- 
tion!” 

Seating herself at an ebony table, curiously inlaid, 
she invited the H otary to a place beside her. Monsieur* 
Causal next drew out a bundle of papers. These he 
spread out methodically before him, glanced from 
Madame Baudin to Madelon and back, understood that 
he was to proceed, and accordingly began : “ I have 
gone over all the books and papers of your late hus- 
band, and have found that two years ago he entered 
into a speculation in saltpetre, which he imported for 
the manufacture of powder. His success was great, 
his profits enormous — ah ! Madame, if he had stopped 
there I If he had stopped there I” 

But he did not ?” said Madame Baudin. 

the contrary. He was inspired to new adven- 
tures. Ships were bought, manned, equipped, sent 
forth. The calculation was, that if one in three 
reached port the profits would be superb. But one. 
after another of these ships fell into the hands of the 


136 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


piratical English. Then came his troubles, and his 
fortune was gone. When he understood this, my 
excellent friend was unequal to the task of keeping 
up, and — and” — Here a sedate look of satisfaction 
came into the Notary’s face as he concluded : '^And 
I do not remember to have seen such a funeral as his 
in thirty years.” 

This expression was but transitory. A deep gloom 
settled on the old man’s face. Evidently he had not 
finished his story. 

Proceed,” said Madame Baudin, I wish to under- 
stand my position in all its details.” 

Monsieur Causal prided himself on being a Notary, 
but his deportment was not exactly that of a prompt 
business man bn this occasion. Madame Baudin grew 
a shade paler as she inquired : 

‘^Am I to understand that his wealth has all been 
swept away 

‘^All,” repeated the Notary, looking down at his 
papers. 

The chateau ?” 

** Yes, the chateau.” 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


137 


“Then I have nothing left,” said Madame Baudin. 

“ Pardon me,” replied Monsieur Causal, “ pardon 
me ! You have a small annuity secured to you.” 

This reflection seemed to afflict the Notary, and the 
words he added explained his evident chagrin. 

Ah, Madame ! You remember I had the honor to 
draw the contract of marriage, and you perhaps re- 
member that my excellent patron, your late husband, 
desired to settle on you a handsome sum. It was you 
who objected. Your delicacy was exquisite, but it 
proves inconvenient.” 

And the Notary said to himself that this vexation 
came from substituting sentiment in the place of busi- 
ness, a thing, however, of which, to do him justice, he 
was not himself incapable. 

‘'All swept away !” said Madame Baudin, leaning 
back and speaking rather to herself than the Notary. 

" Such, Madame is the fact !” said Causal, and glad 
to escape his uncomfortable feelings in the details of 
his case, he continued, pointing to a great sheet, 
covered with laborious calculations : " The sum total 
of debts and losses is heavy. It foots up 28,715,750 


138 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


francs — a prodigious sum truly ! — and the entire pro- 
perty available for the payment amounts to the esti- 
mated value of 28; 700,000 francs. This you will per- 

I 

ceive leaves a balance of 15,750 francs. Ah, Madame ! 
— this in a tone of mingled sorrow and admiration — 
Ah, Madame ! if your husband had succeeded he 
would have been the richest man in France !” 

^*Ah ! would have been !” cried Julie, ^Vouldhave 
been ! but as the case stands I am one of the poorest 
women !” 

At this moment Madame Baudin felt a firm but 
tender embrace, and a sweet, low voice whispered in 
her ear : ''Courage ! my sister ; courage ! Kemember 
there is a good God above us who. Father Paul says, 
looks even to the fall'of a sparrow." 

Monsieur Causal, Notary as he was, found it conve- 
nient to make a survey of the landscape, and the two 
women were left a moment to themselves. Monsieur 
Causal cleared his throat vehemently. 

" Madame," said he, " I was about to assure you 
that there is no need to vacate the chateau for the 
next eight months, if it be your pleasure to remain. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


139 


And, Madame, remember your excellent husband laid 
the foundation of my fortune. The Notary of the 
great banker became a very different person from 
Causal in a garret. Think not, Madame, that I have 
forgotten this ! Nor has my wife. She has charged 
me to deliver this letter.” 

The Notary presented it with a softness of voice, 
and an air of respect, which made him look very unlike 
the man of dry forms and hard maxims which he 
boasted himself to be. Madame Baudin took the 
paper, and for the first time in the interview her firm- 
ness seemed on the point of deserting her. 

For the present, Madame,” said Causal, retire,” 
:and the little Notary escaped to walk upon the terrace. 

Ah !” said he to himself, ^^all this comes through 
neglect of sound maxims ! Had she accepted the an- 
nuity, she would have still been rich.” 

Madame Baudin, a woman of energy and decision, 
was not long in recovering her composure. ^^This,” 
eaid she, stroking the glossy head of her companion, 
'^‘^this is a painful surprise to me, and overthrows some 
of my air-castles.” 


140 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


said Madelon, '^you have your genius^, 
your reputation, and in need can resume your art.’^ 

** No,” said Julie, “no, that door is closed. Listen : 
You never knew the secret of my marriage. In the 
first dawn of my success upon the stage, my voice 
began to fail me. The wisest Doctors tried their skill 
in vain. Then I yielded to the importunities of my 
mother. My husband was painfully sensitive, you 
know, upon this subject, and I must pay his memory 
the homage of respecting his prejudices. And now,*’' 
she said, “I must think over this sad news. Say adieu 
for me to Monsieur Causal.’ 


CHAPTER XVII. 


HOW MADELON WAS INSPIRED BY A SUDDEN THOUGHT. 

Madelon was not left to meditate on the amazing 
disclosure made by the Notary. Louison presented 
herself. 

“ Mademoiselle,” she said, ^‘Madame instructs me 
to say that Madame Cazales and Mile Elise are below. 
If you are equal to the reception of this company, 
Madame begs that you will say a word to them for 
her in excuse. She is not visible.” 

This was a relief to Madelon. Madame Cazales had 
been absent for more than two months in Normandy, 
and on her return had felt it necessary to call with 
her daughter upon her fair neighbor. Perhaps this 
necessity was felt to be more imperative because she 
had a son, Monsienr Alphonse, who, in her opinion, 
would make a capital successor to the lamented Baudin. 
As Madelon entered the salon Madame Cazales and 
Elise came forward with the sympathy of friendship 


142 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


painted on their faces, the warmth of affection in their 
manners. 

“We have just returned/’ cried Madame Cazales. 

“ Within the week,” said her daughter. 

“Ah!” continued Madame, “Ah ! it was terrible f 
The news reached us in Normandy and plunged us 
into grief. Poor Julie is one of my chief favorites I” 

Madelon was moved by such warmth : “ Dear 
friends,” she said, “my cousin is ill to-day, and bids 
me make her excuses ; but I will repeat your kind 
words and I know they will give her a genuine 
pleasure.” 

“ It is terrible to think of I” cried Madame Cazales, 
clasping her hands, and looking at the chandalier. 

“Does Julie look well in black?” asked Elise, in 
the tone of solicitude in which one enquires of the 
health of a dear friend dangerously ill. 

“ Ah I” cried Madame Cazales, following up this 
suggestion, “ah I Julie must be charming in mourn- 
ing — like a romantic Nun — but entreat her not to 
ignore lace; black without a bit of lace about the 
throat and at the wrists is too trying to the complexion. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


143 


Tell her from me that when I was so unhappy as to 
lose Monsieur Cazales I tried the experiment of un- 
mitigated black ; but though I was in despair I 
abandoned it.” 

Madelon smiled in despite of herself, but before she 
could frame an answer, for to this speech one did not 
come spontaneously, her visitor continued. 

“And tell her further, for Elise as well as for 
myself, that she must not hide herself away. We ex- 
pect her to spend at least a month with us. She shall 
be as secluded as she wishes, and you, Madelon, must 
accompany her !” 

The young girl said to herself : “ How kind ! how 
tender !” 

Madame Cazales said in her mind: “With this op- 
portunity Alphonse must be a fool if he does not settle 
himself for life, and help the widow to spend her 
millions.” 

“And I,” cried Elise, “I shall positively lay violent 
hands on myself if she refuses.” 

Madelon’s eyes were suffused with tears. She felt 
that the world was not all heartlessness, and warm 


144 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


with the emotion of gratitude to these generous friends, 
she answered : Thanks ! a thousand thanks. This 
will indeed gratify Julie, especially after the great 
change in her fortunes.” 

Change in her fortunes?” asked Madame Cazales, 
^^Change/in her fortunes ?" 

Change! What change?” cried Elise, with a 
sudden vivacity, strongly in contrast with her former 
subdued manner. 

It is a sad change,” said Madelon, ^^and from your 
warm sympathy I thought perhaps it had reached 
your ears. In brief, Monsieur Baudin’s estate goes to 
his creditors.” 

** Mon Dieu I” cried Madame Cazales, ^‘Mon Dieu I 
His estate goes to his creditors I His whole estate ?” 

“Yes,” answered Madelon, “all goes.” 

“This takes away my breath 1” ejaculated Elise. 

“ Yes, it is terrible,” cried Madame. 

“You can now understand,” said Madelon, “how 
your kind words will soothe and comfort her.” 

Up to this moment the earth itself had not been 
more solid in the eyes of Madame Cazales than the 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


145 


•enormous wealth of Baudin. Madelon s revelation 
was to her the terremoto which disturbed the founda- 
tions of this idea. She was slow to realize the fact 
but when she fully understood it her manner under- 
went a change. 

She buttoned one of her gloves, rose up, shook out 
the folds of her dress, and said in a very business-like 
tone of voice : “ This is dreadful, indeed ! It would 
be cruel to intrude upon her solitude. Upon reflection 
I quite agree with her that it is best not to see com- 
pany. Mademoiselle Deslond, pray convey to her my 
corrected opinion.” 

Elise meantime adjusted her hair at a great mirror, 
and Madame Cazales coolly took a mental inventory of 
the sumptuous furniture. 

Having finished her survey, she said in a cold tone. 

Pray, M’lle Deslond, be so good as to ring for my 
•carriage,” 'and without another word she sauntered 
down the salon. 

When the two grand ladies had departed, Madelon 
moved about the great room like one in a dream. 
Suddenly, as the mists cleared from her faculties, she 


146 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


saw the picture of a superb woman, young and beau- 
tiful ; her head crowned with glorious tresses, her 
eyes full of splendid fire, her lips firm, red, compressed 
and scornful ; her tall figure imperial in its dignity, 
her firm and rounded arms stretched out in a passion- 
ate gesture. Unconsciously she had paused before one- 
of the many mirrors which reflected the splendors by 
which she was surrounded. She beheld her own 
image. The color deepened on her face : she blushed 
to realize her own beauty. Then a sudden lustre 
kindled in her eyes at the dawn of a new thought in 
her mind. She swept back the waving masses of her 
hair, looked long and steadily in the glass, then cried 

aloud in a resolute voice: “Yes, I think I could 

y 

achieve it !” 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


MADELON CHOOSES HER CAREER. 

There are few who can review the events of their 
own lives with justice to themselves, or with justice 
to Heaven. 

N iobe wept over her children : it mattered not to 
her that the arrows beneath which they fell came^ 
from the bow of a God. 

The hard facts of our destiny smite us like stones^ 
from the sling of Fate, and we ask why they were 
hurled at us ? Why did this one escape to the right 
that one to the left ? 

Philosophy affects to answer with its doctrine of 
compensation. Religion whispers its tender assurance 
of an overruling Providence, but it is long before the 
heart, in a tumult of grief, allows the mind to apply 
these consolations. 

It is not until passion is subdued, or egotism* 


148 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


brought low, that we find ourselves in the serene 
atmosphere in which we can judge ourselves, or the 
fortune which has attended us. What wonder is it, 
then, that Madelon, rich only in premature griefs 
and anxieties, was bewildered ? Madame Cazales had 
wounded her sorrow, inflamed her anger, and at a 
glance had shown her the altered position of her af- 
fairs. But at the first blow her generous temper had 
been aroused in behalf of her cousin. . 

As she now sat in the seclusion of her chamber, she 
was thinking of herself. To think is an art, Rousseau 
tells us — an art to be learned as other arts, and most 
difficult to acquire. It is difficult even when the 
thought is speculative ; but when one thinks with the 
view of shaping a supreme action, it becomes a severe 
labor. Madelon had been taught something of this 
art by the necessities of her early life ; but she felt 
herself oppressed by her misfortunes and bewildered 
at the incomprehensible facts by which she was con- 
fronted. In her passion of grief and anger she en- 
deavored to solve the problem set before her by her 
mere reason, and in her egotism forgot Heaven. The 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


149 - 


courageous spirit of the dead soldier animated his 
child. If she was filled with doubts and bitterness, 
she was ignorant of despair. 

It is strange,” she said, 'Hhat my father should 
have been taken from me just as his honorable service 
was recognized — just as he had secured in this house- 
hold an asylum for his old age ! — Strange that Mon- 
sieur Baudin should have been stricken down by grief 
at the loss of his fortune ! — Strange that Julie, through 
no act of hers, should be expelled this house, adorned 
by her taste, and very dear to her ! Strange that 
Marot’s fate should be involved in such uncertainty !” 

Then a burning tear traced its way down her cheek, 
and another, and another, and she bowed her head 
and a flood of tears came to her relief. For two 
months she had had no tidings of him, only a rumor 
that he had fallen into the hands of the Austrians, 
then another ghastly, but doubtful story, that he was 
among the slain. 

Her head sank lower and lower ; she fell upon her 
knees, and when she rose up the light of hope, and 
faith, and a serene resolve shone on her beautiful: 


150 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


forehead. The darkness had fallen. Madeion roused 
up the dying fire, and began to pace her room. She 
unbound the masses of her hair, threw off her funereal 
weeds, lighted the wax candles on her dressing table, 
and looked long in her mirror. But there was a 
chaste severity in her air which told that she was not 
prompted by a mere impulse of vanity. Her aspect 
was that of a student pondering a grave question, 
rather than that of a young girl gazing at her own 
fair image. 

Suddenly her eyes kindled with' a celestial fire. 
She clasped her hands, and cried out in a tone of ex- 
quisite sincerity : 

“ Je n' adore qit’un Dieu^ maitre de V unirers, 

Sous qui tremblent le del, la terre, et les enfers; 

JJn Dieu qui, nous aimant d' une amour injinie, 

Voulut mourir pour nous arec igiwminie; 

Et qui, par un effort de cet exces d* amour. 

Vent pour nous en victims etre offert diaquejour.’^ 

As she stood at the end of her quotation from that 
famous play of Cornille’s, to which it was objected by 
the splendid people of his day that it had too much 
religion in it, she looked like one inspired, and realized 
in her noble attitude and illuminated face all that the 


OE, THE STOEY OF MADELON. 


151 


painters of the church have dreamed of Faith incarnate. 

The glow faded from her forehead, her hands fell 
beside her, and the expression of her face became com- 
posed and meditative. 

Yes,” said she, speaking aloud, Yes, I could do 
it. The career offers great rewards and is open before 
me.” 

At that moment the voice of her cousin penetrated 
the room. Madelon,” she cried, Madelon, are you 
deaf that you do not hear me? Open, my child, I 
would speak with you.” 

It was true Madame Baudin had been knocking 
unheard and unnoticed at the door. A blush came 
into Madelon’s cheeks as she hastened to answer the 
summons of her cousin. Obeying this command she 
beheld Madame Baudin wrapped in a heavy shawl. 

Julie,” cried Madelon, '^you have anticipated me. 
I need your advice.” 

"Ah,” said Madame Baudin, "I am incapable, I 
fear, for I am unable to answer my own questions, the 
chief of which is : what shall we do ?” 

" It is that question which I have answered, "'replied 


152 


UNDEE THE EMPIEE ; 


Madelon. ‘^Listen. I will go upon the stage. I 
will take up your old profession. I will labor to suc- 
ceed, and I feel that within me that promises success.’"' 

Madame Baudin’s pale face flushed,. Her old dream' 
was revived, but she checked the warm approval which, 
was rising to her lips, and answered. 

It is a hard life, my child, the rewards are glitter- 
ing, but they are for the few. And, then, your father’s 
prejudice. Have you forgotten that ?” 

I have thought of all these things, and my father 
retracted his harsh opinion. He discussed the ques- 
tion more than once after we came under your roof. 
I shall have a clear conscience.” 

Then,” cried Madame Baudin, “ I think you may 
make a career for yourself. My old master — the good 
Cenis, whom you know — will instruct you for my sake.” 

And pacing slowly the ample chamber, these two 
fair women talked until long after cock-crow, and the 
future seemed less dreary as they began to realize that 
they would not be without an occupation, for Julie 
renewed her own career, even in thinking of that 
which was opening before her cousin. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


FIVE MONTHS AFTER. 

Five months have passed since Madelon had deter- 
mined to devote her genius to the stage. Julie, she 
and Monsieur Cenis were together in the grand salon. 
The visitor had been Madame Baudin's teacher, and 
had for twenty weeks devoted himself to Madelon as 
his favorite pupil. He was tall, stately, and devoted 
to his art. This was to him what the tri-color was to 
the French soldier. Its conquests in his eyes were the 
most splendid which genius could achieve. To him 
life was the play, the play was the reality. Possessed 
as he was of personal grace, a good education, and a 
complete mastery of his profession, Madelon could have 
found no better teacher than her cousin’s old Master. 
Classic in his taste and cultivation, he yet had inde- 
pendence enough to follow the example which Baron 
( 10 ) 


154 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


had set ia a previous age, and had emancipated him- 
self from much of the rigid mechanism which so long 
impeded the action of the French players. Such was 
Monsieur Cenis as an artist. 

Personally he was light-hearted, humane, and de- 
voted to Madame Baudin, whose course he had 
watched with the fondness of a parent, and the care- 
fulness of a critic. 

The Theatre,” said he, “offers great rewards. It 
is one of those places of which one never grows weary. 
It assists the illusions of youth ; it stimulates the 
memory of age ; it is a benefaction to all. It is there, 
Mademoiselle,” addressing himself to Madelon, with a 
grand bow, “it is there that you will make a career 
for yourself.” 

“ And you are satisfied with your pupil ?” asked 
Madame Baudin, with a smile of pleasure lighting up 
her dark face. 

“ Satisfied !” cried he, spreading abroad his hands, 
“ Satisfied ! I am enchanted ! She has elements of 
great success. In the first place she is beautiful,” 
here he made another bow. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


155 


Fie 1 Monsieur Cenis,” cried Madelon, with a 
blush, *^you will make me vain !” 

A woman without vanity,” was the sententious 
answer, ^'is a woman — who is dead : what I say is 
true, you are handsome. If I were young I should 
call you a Goddess, and, my little one, this is a great 
point in your favor. Beauty has carried many an 
actress through when her genius and her art failed 
her. Then — you see I am like a Notary, going item 
by item through a bill — then you have a wonderful 
voice — a voice which ought to be a fortune of itself.” 

Nay,” cried Madelon, ^hf you continue, your God- 
dess must spread her wings and take flight !” 

^^Hold!” cried Monsieur, ^^one moment longer! 
This is business in plain prose and candor which I 
talk. I am but showing you my calculations. As I 
was saying, you have a superb voice, and this is the 
link between the actor and his audience. It is true 
we are told that Le Kain was unfortunate in this, but 
by study he overcame the defect. In your case Nature 
has richly endowed you, and more than this, my child, 
she has given you that which conquers all defects — 


156 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


genius informed by suffering. Madame Baudin, you 
have asked for my opinion : In one word Mademoiselle's 
success is certain." 

Convinced that her Master, as he said, was making 
a calculation of the elements on which he relied for 
success in his pupil, Madelon had listened to his 
praises with blushing cheeks and a heart that palpa- 
tated with pleasure. 

And how long. Monsieur Cenis, before I can begin 
the career of which you kindly predict so much 

N 

she asked. 

Ah !" said her Master, ^‘that depends. I think 
we might almost venture now. Your genius is great,, 
and to-day I have an appointment with a high person- 
age, and I shall not leave him until our plan is com* 
pleted. Ah ! my child, Cenis has never had a pupil 
to fail! Never; not once has Cenis been defeated. 
Cenis is too wise to expend his learning, his experience, 
his genius on one unworthy of it. For Cenis to say, 
have a young friend who will adorn the theatre,’ is 
for Cenis to secure an engagement for that young 
friend. Ah, they all know Cenis, and they say Cenis 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


157 


never fails ! His campaigns are like those of the Em- 
peror, planned in the closet, and invincible in practice I 
But you must come into the city. Let this be soon. 
Then we will complete our arrangements. And now,” 
said the Master, rising, must back to Paris to my 
appointment. It is my apology that I go, ladies, upon 
your service.” 

With many bows. Monsieur Cenis withdrew, and 
left Madelon and Julie warmed by the hopes inspired 
by his words. Madame Baudin felt that these were 
not without foundation, for she knew her old Master 
to be as candid in his criticisms as he was enthusiastic 
in his art, and her own judgment of Madelon’s genius 
for the stage confirmed that of the veteran actor. 


CHAPTER XX. 


A GLIMPSE OF MAEOT. 

Monsieur Cenis, who spoke of himself with the 
frank egotism for which he found ample warrant in 
the writings of some of the great dramatists of his 
country, did not overrate his influence and authority. 
The Theatre Francois received his dicta with respect. 
Talma was his friend, and he had truthfully said that 
the pupils of Cenis made no failures. In Madelon's 
case she had, as her Master declared, genius 'informed 
by suffering,” and his instructions had been followed 
with laborious assiduity by his fair pupil. In her 
studies she found occupation and escape from the ter- 
rible suspense in which she lived, A year had passed 
since the departure of Marot, and she still remained 
in doubt whether he had been slain upon the field, or 
carried off captive into Russia. 

Lavoison had made diligent enquiry, and his road 
always divided itself in this manner, one leading to 


OE, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


159 


the grave, the other to the prison, or the mines. Thus 
these two stories had reached her, and she was alter- 
nately divided between hope and resignation. She 
found her chief consolation in the society of Father 
Paul and Madame Baudin, and never grew weary of 
studying Polyeucte, in which she found an expression 
of faith that sustained her in her struggles. As to 
the real fate of Marot there need be no mystery : 
A dramatic surprise is hardly possible without the 
illusions of the stage, and the penetration of the 
reader has without doubt arrived at the conclusion 
that Fate destined him to reappear upon our stage, 
where he has been little better than a shadow since 
the remarkable birth-day fete of Madame Baudin, 
when he marched for the Bhine, with the troops of 
the *^Army of England,” with which the Emperor had 
hoped to add the part of William of Normandy to his 
role of Charlemange. In that bitter experience he 
realized very fully the change in his position. He 
had once moved mounted — he was now on foot ; he 
had ridden at the head of his regiment, he now stepped 
out in the ranks; he had worn a sword, he now 


160 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


carried a musket. In one sense he felt his degrada- 
tion ; but he was sustained by hope and a profound 
conviction that so great an injustice could not long go 
unredressed. Above all, he had originally fought his 
way up from the ranks, and still felt that he might 
carry the traditional baton of a Marshal of France in 
his knapsack. He knew that Bravard was his enemy, 
but his frank and honest nature rendered him incapa- 
ble of understanding the calculating animosity of his 
commander. His letters to Madelon, thanks to Bra- 
vard and Desselais, had never reached their destina- 
tion ; but ignorant of this, he accepted his fate with a 
stout heart, and did his duty with heroic devotion. It 
was his fortune to have in General Vespasien, the 
Commandant of his Division, an old friend and com- 
rade in arms, and with the death of Bravard his rise 
was as rapid and as splendid as his fall had been 
sudden and undeserved. At last he had fallen into 
the hands of the Eussians, and had been sent by a 
barbarous Prince to work in the mines upon his estate. 
It was this story, true but unauthenticated, which had 
reached his friends, who were alternately divided be- 


OR; THE STORY OF MADELON. 


161 


tween hope and fear as to the fate of the gallant 
soldier. But he was not destined to remain long in 
his degrading captivity, as the reader of this short 
history will see in due season. 


CHAPTER XXI. 


A SHIP COMES HOME FROM SEA. 

The (lay after the visit of Monsieur Cenis a fiacre, 
evidently from Paris, drove into the grounds of the 
villa where Madame Baudin still remained. Monsieur 
Causal was its occupant. He was still the man of 
parchment in appearance ; but there was a warm heart 
in the bosom of the little Notary, and a smile of great 
satifaction lighted up his countenance. As his keen 
eyes roved over the scene, he noted that the wide 
avenue along which he rolled began to show signs of 
neglect; and descending at the marble steps of the 

I 

great entrance, now little used, he observed that the 
stately house looked sad and desolate. Standing 
beneath the gilded ceiling of the grand salon he saw 
in the sombre and deserted aspect of the room a sharp 
antithesis to its former pomps and gayeties. 

Here Louison found the good Notary engaged in 
studying the portrait of his former patron, the rich 


OE, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


163 - 


banker, who had not been able to support the loss of 
fortune. There were tears in the old man’s eyes when 
the girl spoke to him : 

My mistress,” said Louison, dropping a courtesy,, 
**will be happy to receive Monsieur Causal in her 
Bourdoir, if he will follow me.” * 

** Lead on, my good girl,” said the Notary, blowing 
his nose with violence, I follow you with pleasure.’^ 
Louison traversed the salon, crossed a wide hall, 
ascended a rich stairway, which had cost the dead 
banker thousands and thousands of francs, and paus- 
ing, tapped at a door, which immediately flew open. 
On the threshold stood Madame Baudin, behind her 
appeared Madelon. 

My friend,” said the stately widow, with a kindly 
warmth that gave full meaning to her words, ^^my 
friend, you are welcome.” 

^^And I,” said the Notary, bowing low over her 
white hand, I am glad to be here.” 

In the centre of the apartment stood a table covered 
with books and embroidery. To this Monsieur Causal 
drew himself a chair. When Madame Baudin had 


164 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


seated herself, he followed her example, and drew 
forth a package from the bosom of his coat — 
Monsieur Causal was never without a bundle of 
papers — inspected it carefully, waved his large hand- 
kerchief, coughed, bowed, and began : 

I haVe already explained to you that my excellent 
friend, your lamented husband, left his affairs in a sad 
state.” Here he paused, shook his head, and thought 
over that marriage settlement, which he had not been 
permitted to draw. 

“Yes,” said Madame Baudin, “ in a sad state.” 

Monsieur Causal bowed and resumed : “ I explained 
to you — it is now more than five months since — that, 
as then advised, there remained to you the sum of 
15,750 francs of your husband’s great fortune.” 

Here he paused again, and arranged the papers on 
the table, looked at them with a glance of approval, for 
they were to him in talking of business what his 
model is to the painter, and then resumed : “ Since 
that time I have been at work. Yes, my dear friend, 
at very pleasant work, and I am now able to report an 
improved condition in your affairs.” 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


165 


The Notary smiled, Madame Bandings face flushed,, 
and Madelon drew near the table. 

Yes!” cried Monsieur Causal, with sparkling eyes 
and great animation, yes> one of those ships, which 
we long thought lost, came in at last. She escaped 
the perfidious English. Her cargo of saltpetre was 
sold under my own eyes for a great sum — yes, a great 
sum.” 

At this reflection the good Notary seemed doubtful 
whether he would laugh or cry. The two women lis- 
tened in profound emotion, but in silence. 

Now, then,” continued Monsieur Causal, ^^this 
money added to that previously accounted for will 
leave you, above your husband^s debts, 100,000 
francs.” 

Here the good Notary wiped his eyes, turned away 
his head, and finally rose up and afiected to look out 
at an opposite window. His two listeners fell into 
each other’s arms, and Louison, listening at the kev- 
hole, gave a little cry of joy. 

Half an hour after this scene, Monsieur Causal was- 
seated between his fair friends, making a modest 


166 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


repast before taking bis way back to Paris. Each one 
of the little group was animated with unexpected 
happiness, and the very cap of Louison seemed to 
tremble with suppressed laughter. Monsieur Causal 
at last finished his account of the ship which had 
escaped the perils of the sea, and with a bow to his 
fair companions offered to refill their glasses. In 
reply Madame Baudin interposed her fair hand, and 
Madelon shook her glossy head. 

Your news,” cried Madame Baudin, is wine 
enough for me.” 

Then,” said the Notary, you will permit me to 
drink your health again. I am not used to riding, 
and have been excited.” 

Hereupon he drank his wine with great satisfaction, 
for the deceased banker had been a man of taste and 
judgment. Setting down his glass Monsieur Causal 
resumed: But' I have not finished my story. You 

must come to Paris. It is this which I advise.” 

**Ah!” exclaimed Madame Baudin, ^^I remember 
when I thought it would break my heart to leave it, 
but now I shrink from returning to the great city. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


167 


But I am sensible you are right. Only yesterday my 
old friend Cenis was here, and urged this upon me. 
Indeed, it is necessary for Madelon.” 

The advice of Cenis was sound,” said the Notary, 
and I will show you reason for taking it, apart from 
that he gave you. And this will end my story. 
There is a man in Paris with mountains of money, 
made in the manufacture of powder. The sale of our 
saltpetre brought us in contact. He is called Ohatard. 
Now he has a fancy for this chateau. You have the 
right to occupy it for two years longer. He is 
willing to buy, and to pay a good sum’to gain posses- 
sion. If you agree you will improve your fortune, 
and I have an understanding with him, that if you 
consent the keeper's cottage shall remain in your pos- 
session till the expiration of that time, so that you can 
make an occasional holiday should yx)u grow weary of 
Paris in a new acquaintance with your old dwelling- 
place. The terms are good — even generous, though 
'Chatard seems to be a pompous ass — Cenis needs his 
pupil near him, and, finally, I advise you to accept the 
offer.” 


168 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


“ Dear friend,” said Madame Bandin, ** your advice- 
is a command. Finish this as you will.” 

Then,” cried the Notary, I have my reward.. 
Madame Causal and myself beg you and Madelon te 
come under our roof. We have an entire floor which 
we can give you.” 

The decision was soon made. Monsieur Causal fin- 
ished his wine and rose up to depart. 

My wife,” said he, will be a happy woman when 
I tell her of your consent.” 

The two ladies and Louison, all radiant with smiles,, 
followed him to the fiacrcj and waved him adieu as he 
drove away, the happiest N otary in all France, for he 
felt that he had paid a debt of gratitude to his dead 
benefactor in the person of his wife. On his way he 
met Lavoison, and a shrewd smile lit up the face of 
Causal as he recognized the bright countenance of that 
young gentleman. 


CHAPTER XXIL 


THE PLOTTEE. 

A month had passed. Causal and Cenis met on the 
quiet street in which the Notary resided. The man of 
science, Causal — who held the law to be the chief of all 
sciences — and the man of art, Cenis — who held the art 
of elocution to be above all other arts, so that they might 
be added to the group of tutors who surrounded Mon- 
sieur Jundain — had met frequently of late, for Madame 
Baudin and Madelon were now lodged under the roof 
of the good Notary. The two old men exchanged 
salutes, stopped and engaged in conversation. The 
one was practical and sedate, the other vain and even 
fantastic, yet they seemed to find themselves mutually 
interested. This was not unnatural, as they spoke of 
Madelon. 

^^Yes,” cried Cenis, in. reply to Causal, ^‘yes, she 

will make a grand success 1 Madelon has genius, and 

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170 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


beauty and patience, and these three conquer the 
world. In another week she will be famous. Yes, it 
is I, Cenis, who say it ! She will be renowned !’' 

As he spoke with great vivacity, and in an exalted 
voice, a passenger paused, listened, and then with a 
muttered oath hurried away. 

^^An ill-looking fellow!” said Cenis, with an air of 
indignation, 

Yes,” replied Causal, I have seen him frequently 
of late in this neighborhood. He goes early to the 
wine shops-, if his face does not belie him.” 

The stranger disappeared, and the old men sepa- 
rated. It was Desselais who passed them and uttered 
an oath in comment on the prediction of Cenis. He 
hurried onward, crossed the river on the Pont Eoyal, 
turned into the Eue de Eivoli, and finally entered a 
lofty and pretentious house, which had been the resi- 
dence of his father, now dead, the once famous con- 
tractor. He hurried to his apartments on the second 
fioor. Here he began to pace to and fro with rapid 
steps, like a caged wild beast. His appearance was 
greatly altered. The fop had degenerated into the 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


171 


debauche. His clothes, though fine in texture and of 
costly material, were thrown on with a careless air. 
His cheeks were inflamed and swollen ; his thick hair 
showed a few gray threads ; his eyes were sunken, 
blood-shot, and suspicious. From time to time he 
looked over his shoulder as he walked. You saw at 
a glance that he sacrificed to Bachus rather than the 
Graces. He consulted his watch with impatience, 
stamped upon the floor, gazed out at the windows ; 
evidently he expected a visitor. At intervals he with- 
drew into an inner apartment. There he* no longer 
consulted his mirror, or arranged his hair, as was his 
delight to do in other days ; but, in place of these fri- 
vilous indulgences, he soothed his irritated nerves by 
deep potations from a decanter filled with brandy. 
Evidently he was going to the Devil at a gallop with 
Atra Cura mounted en croupe. At last a knock came 
at the outer door. Desselais sprang forward and 
threw it open. The person who entered was a man of 
middle years. His rigid attitude showed he had 
been a soldier. His face was cunning, his manner 
servile. In brief, he had been the confidential servant 


172 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


of General Bravard. He saluted Desselais with mili- 
tary precision and entered the apartment. 

Peste /” cried Desselais, “ Peste ! You have kept 
me waiting till I am nearly mad !” and he stamped 
upon the floor in unreasoning anger. 

Pardon me, Monsieur,” said the man, “ I am here 
at the hour.” 

And you have the papers ?” shouted Desselais — 
“ the papers ? — the papers ?” — and he danced about in 
a frenzy as he asked the question. 

. “Yes, Monsieur,” was the answer, “ I have the 
papers. They are here.” As he spoke he drew a 
package from his bosom. 

“ It is a happy chance that you kept them !” cried 
Desselais. 

“Not chance. Monsieur,” was the blunt reply. 
“ Not chance ; it was good to have these papers, for 
Monsieur will observe that General Bravard, had he 
lived, might have forgotten a faithful servant.” 

“ The cunning of the fox and the mercy of the 
wolf!” ejaculated Desselais, with something of the air 
which belonged to him when the salon was the chief 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


173 


theatre of his ambition. Saying this, he stretched 
forth his hand. The man remained immovable. A 
deep flush overspread the face of Desselais. He 
wrenched open, rather than unlocked, a drawer in his 
writing table, and threw upon it a handful of notes 
and coins. 

I understand !” he said, with a bitter laugh. 

There, oh ! faithful servant of an honest master, 
count out thy ill-gotten gains, and may the gold be a 
curse to thee !" 

The man surrendered the papers. Desselais seized 
them with trembling fingers and gazed upon them 
with eyes which flamed like those of Pizzaro when he 
looked upon the Inca's ransom. To him they were 
of great value. They promised, such was his brutal 
temper, a chance of winning Madelon, whom he alter- 
nately adored or execrated. He said to himself, if she 
were once assured of her lover’s death, that he might 
buy her person, if not win her heart. He had heard 
the story of Baudin’s misfortunes. He knew that she 
and Madame Baudin were beneath the roof of Causal, 
and he said, in his wicked heart: “The cunning 


174 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


Notary will absorb all the remains of the wreck, and 
then bid them seek another asylum.” In that hour he 
hoped to make his wealth avail him in gratifying his 
headlong passion. The papers which he now greedily 
devoured were Madelon’s letters to Marot and his in 
answer. These Bravard had intercepted to win the 
favor of his cousin. As he examined them a smile of 
savage exultation lit up his distorted countenance. 

‘^At last!” he cried, ^^at last! Dead! Dead! I 
can now prove that which was doubtful, and ” — here 
turning upon the man who still waited, he abruptly 
said : 

You have your money.” 

A thousand thanks. Monsieur !” was the reply. 

The sum is right ?” 

The man bowed. 

“ Then,” cried Desselais, ‘^begone ! But remember 
I may need you further in this comedy of mine. You 
can steal, and therefore lie ?” 

Yes,” was the unmoved reply, “when it is to my 
interest.” 

And with a low bow the man withdrew 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


175 


Desselais closed and locked tlie door, flung kimself 
in a chair, and pondered over his plan of campaign. 

His thoughts ran somewhat thus : I can produce 
her own letters to Marot. The tale tells itself. They 
were found upon his person when he fell. He died in 
battle disfigured beyond recognition, save for these. 
Then, this girl who drives me mad with her beauty 
and her scorn, hopes to make a career upon the stage. 
That must be defeated, and the way is clear, Madame 
Baudin is ruined beyond hope. This cunning fox of 
a Notary will devour the little that remains to her, 
and the Cireer of Madelon on the stage being broken, 
she will be homeless and at my mercy. Yes, it turns 
upon that ! If I can crush her in the theatre she will 
have no refuge — then my star will rise again !” 

Thinking thus, Desselais sprang up, seized his hat 
and crying out, *^so much for the plan 1 now for the 
execution !” dashed down the stairway and hurried 
off in the direction of the Palais Eoyal. 


CHAPTER XXIIL 


THE PLAY. 

Paris had never been more brilliant. Her cofers 
were filled with wealth ; her arsenals, her churches, 
her palaces were enriched with the spoils of Europe. 
The Emperor had expended more than 30,000,000 
francs in embellishing the city. His despotism 
tempere par une chanson'' was splendid in purple, 
and the song was tremulous with'a passionate delight. 

Paris wrapped herself in the purple, and her voice 
swelled the melody to its highest pitch. She was 
intoxicated with success, and reeled in a delirium of 
pleasure. Never had the gay capital been gayer. 
The festivities and pomps of the Court of Louis XIV 
were for the few, those of the Emperor were, in com- 
parison, for the many. Scions of the old nobility, and 
the men who were the sons of their own works, strove 
together to win the Imperial favor. Paris believed 
herself destined to occupy the place once held by 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


177 


Borne, and already affected the air of mistress of the 
world. Her volatile population were drunk with 
dreams of wealth and power. Her children devoted 
themselves to the contemplation of glory and the study 
of pleasure. The theatre flourished. Talma was the 
friend of the Emperor. The Muses and Graces 
divided with Mars and Bellona the public homage. 

These were the gilded days in which sentinels 
guarding the approaches to the Opera House cried 
out, on occasion : ^^Monsieur cocker, si votre maitre 
n^est pas roi vous ny passerez pas” 

In this atmosphere, glittering with light, resound- 
ing with laughter, tremulous with music, and heavy 
with perfume, Monsieur Cenis was happy. He was 
an authority in his art, the familiar friend of great 
men, an oracle, and the oracle had its numerous wor- 
shipers. He did not exaggerate his power when he 
said that his voice opened the doors of the theatre, 
that his prediction of success upon the boards was but 
the anticipated verdict of the people. Hor did he 
hesitate to say as much for himself on slight occasion. 
But on the night when he again comes upon our 


178 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


mimic stage there was a method in his vanity. He 
had a special and kindly object in immediate view, 
when he repeated to Madame Baudin and Madelon 
the old, familiar story, that a pupil of his had never 
failed. 

The three, attended by the faithful Louison, were 
standing in the dressing room allotted to the debutante* 
It was not the cheerless apartment we would have 
seen at that date in an Engiish theatre ; but it was 
rich in pictures and gilding, and gorgeous — just a 
little too gorgeous in coloring for the perfection of 
taste which belongs to the French people. 

The florid fancy of the Due de Eichelieu had left 
an indelible impression on the Theatre Francaise, and 
the room in which they stood had once been approved 
by that great personage in the days when he ruled the 
strange and feverish world which palpitated behind 
the curtain. 

Madame Baudin was pale and nervous, but Made- 
Ion’s cheeks were flushed, and her splendid eyes shone 
with the courageous spirit she inherited from her 
father. Her flgure was erect, her voice was steady. 


OB, THE STOHY OF MADELON. 


17 ^ 


and her pulse even. As for Monsieur Cenis, that 
amiable man was in a state of feverish delight. 

^^Ah!" he cried, tapping Madelon gently on the* 
shoulder, ^^ah! this is excellent! You have the self- 
mastery, the composure, the command of faculties! 
You shall make a grand reputation! I shall behold 
you as the Emperor beholds a young general who wins 
victory ! Yes, my little one, our success will be 
superb ! All Paris is here. The Minister of War 
has spoken of you, and assists at the performance. 
The house is full of decorations and great personages. 
Cenis hears on all sides your praises in advance, and 
Mon Dieu ! to-raorrow all Paris will be in rapture !” 

At this picture Monsieur Cenis skipped about the 
room in an ecstacy, fairly intoxicated with the vint- 
age trodden out by the feet of hope and fancy. He 
believed his predictions, and loved his pupil with 
paternal tenderness. He loved himself, also, with a 
fervor which, as the good reader has seen, was never- 
at a loss for artless phrases of self-praise and admira- 
tion. And he had not greatly exaggerated the temper 
of the audience. He had great influence, and this had 


180 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


been laboriously used. Then he knew his pupil had 
rare beauty, and this had been made known in a mul- 
titude of ways. Her sad, romantic story had been 
told in a thousand places, with a thousand variations, 
and had lost none of its pethetic interest in the narra- 
tion. Finally, the play was Cornille's master piece, 
and all Paris had assembled to see the new Chimene. 
As Monsieur Cenis finished his perouette, a knock 
sounded on the gilded pannels of the door. For that 
agile person to open it, which he did in a very cautious 
manner, was but the work of a moment. His air of 
reserve was immediately changed, and he cried out : 

“ Ah ! here are friends who come to share our tri- 
umph !" So speaking he admitted Causal and Lavoison. 

The little Hotary was more gallant in appearance, 
and less professional in aspect, than his best friends 
had ever seen him. He had permelled himself a 
gigantic boquet, and his hair was dressed and pow- 
dered to a miracle. 

The Surgeon shone in a costume fitted to the occa- 
sion, and was flushed ^with excitement, in which all 
but Madelon participated. 


OE, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


181 


She was composed as marble. A hum and buzz- 
penetrated the apartment. The theatre was full. In 
five minutes the curtain would rise, and the first words 
of the play spoken by Chimene. She looked equal to 
the task. Her rich costume was faultless in its 
minutest details, and her beauty never shone with a 
greater splendor. As she spoke with Causal, another 
knock sounded on the door: ^^A note for Mile. Des- 
lond from an old friend.” 

Mechanically Madelon took the paper from the 
hands of Cenis. As her eyes ran over its few and 
cruel words, her cheeks turned of a deadly pallor. 
Slowly, and with a strange air of deliberation, she 
handed it to Madame Baudin. A sudden silence fell 
upon the group. They felt themselves, as it were,, 
already in the shadow of a calamity. As the paper 
swam before her eyes Madame Baudin read ; 

**Ihave an interest in your fortunes which your disdain cannot 
shake. I have devoted my life to your service, and knowing your 
desire to learn the fate of Mar ot, I hasten to inform you of his end] 
I have found a man who saw him dead on the field. I send you one 
of your letters taken from his person, Tyf which he was identified.'* 


182 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


This brutal note went from hand to hand. Its en- j 
closure Madelon slowly folded away in her bosom. 

Scelerat /” cried Lavoison, his eyes flaming with ; 
passion. “ This is the writing of Desselais. He is ] 
the author of this outrage, and he shall answer it !" 

Cenis, who knew the history of Madelon, was in ' 
despair. He saw his pupil profoundly moved, and the i 
critical moment was at hand when she must face her j 
audience. 

My child !” cried the old man, wringing his I 
hands, ‘^my child, it is a base lie ! It is the invention j 
of your enemy. Drive it from your mind ! Mon i 
Dieu ! revenge yourself upon him by success !” 

This masculine appeal was not without its influence 
on Madelon. The act was that of a dastard. Her 
spirit rose in resistance. Indeed, there was a strange, 
sweet sorrow in her heart at holding in her bosom a 
precious memento of her dead lover. Her color came 
with a sudden rush. Her eyes kindled. Her form 
dilated. She looked around upon the agitated group 
by which sbe was surrounded, and cried out in a 


OR, THE STORY OP MADELON. 


183 


steady voice, but a voice pervaded by the profoundest 
passion : 

^^Fear not, dear friends ! I am familiar with sor- 
row. This sudden pang was sharp. It is hard to 
give up hope, but trust me to-night to show this 
cruel men that I can defy his malice.” 

Mon Dieu !” cried Cenis, whose keen intelligence 
now recognized in the incident an element of success, 
Mon Dieu ! we are saved ! Your spirit will triumph, 
and a just heaven will vindicate the right!” 

And the old man folded Causal in a sudden em- 
brace. This strange scene behind the curtain, so full 
of meaning, for those who beheld it, was, indeed, a for- 
tunate preparation of Madelon for the ordeal she had 
to undergo. It might have been fatal, but her coura- 
geous temper had conquered. In place of being shat- 
tered by the blow, it had stirred emotions which iden- 
tified her with her part. She had already ceased to 
be Madelon — she was already Chemene, Their strange 
conference was broken. The curtain was up. The 
audience waited. As she swept upon the stage, in 
beauty glorified by the sorrows of her young life, a 


184 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


murmur of admiration rose from the vast assembly. 
The play, which the great Cardinal, that puller-down 
of Kings and builder-up of Kingdoms, could not 
destroy, began. At once her voice conveyed to the 
whole audience the meaning of her part. Just as the 
colors of a painter bring before us the creations of his 
fancies, her tone presented the passions of her role as 
the piece progressed. When she came to her reply, 
in the first act, to the long speech of Eline and ex- 
claimed : 

"Et dans ce grand honlieur je crainsun grand rerers,” 

, the pent-up sorrows of her life, whose dreams of hap- 
piness had been shattered, found express, ion in her 
tones, and even Cenis wept as he listened. 

Bis ! Bis ! Bis !” resounded through the vast 
audience. The applause rose like a tempest, and from 
that moment through to the end she held the theatre 
beneath the spell of her genius and her sorrows. She 
had risen far above Art and the traditions of Art, and 
it was to Nature that the multitude paid the homage 
of their tears, and raptures of applause. 

Among those in the parterre most moved by the 


OE, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


185 


play was the wretched Desselais. He had deliberately 
contrived a plot to destroy Madelon’s career. He had 
executed it with devilish skill; but her marvellous 
acting, which was not acting, had transported him 
beyond the bounds of reason. He wept, he called 
down imprecations upon himself, he was wild in lead- 
ing the applause, and when the piece was over he 
struggled out through the great throng like a mad- 
man ; and at three o’clock the next morning he was. 
taken home in a fit of delerium. 

The emotions of Madame Baudin, of Cenis, of Causal 
and Lavoison were intense, but different in each ac- 
cording to their age, their temper, and their interest 
in Madelon. They understood, none so well as her 
cousin, at what a prodigious cost — by what prelimi- 
nary sorrows she had achieved success, and the tears 
which Madame Baudin shed on the bosom of the tri- 
umphant actress when the play was ended, were those 
one weeps over the sorrows of a friend, rather than 
the pleasant showers which attest great joy at a tri- 
umph. 

Cenis alone was comoletely happy. He forgot the 

( 12 ) 


186 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


•cost and looked only at the result. His eyes shone 
like diamonds, his chest expanded, his form was erect, 
his step alert, his air animated, and his voice tremu- 
lous with delight. 

My child !” he cried, Child of my care, daughter 
of my labors, crown of my fame ! Your success is un- 
bounded ! Your career is made !” 

Then, in a happy inspiration, he chanted, rather 
than declaimed before the little group,^that famous 
couplet from the pen of Boileau — 

“ En min contre Le Cid un ministre se liegue. 

Tout Pans pour Chimene a les yeux de BodnqueP 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


ALL OUR COMPANY HERE?” 

The success of Madelon had been complete. She 
had leaped at once into celebrity, and a brilliant for- 
tune was assured her. She had undergone a great 
trial, but her strength was unimpaired. Occupation 
even carried to the point where it becomes fatigue, 
was a relief to her. Her profession gave ease to the 
^ troubles of her mind ; but her sorrow was not without 
its serenity. The long struggle between hope and 
■dread was ended. She knew the worst, and found 
that she could bear it. She had developed wonder- 
fully in the school in which Misfortune had been her 
tutor. Her strong, practical sense had rejected the 
idea of an aimless life ; her aspirations remained, but 
her’s was not a selfish ambition. In her plans for the 
future the good Priest, singularly wise and liberal, as 
we have seen, was to be her almoner. Her scheme, 


188 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


already fashioned out in her own mind, was to devote- 
her genius to the service of the poor, to accumulate 
wealth for the foundation of some noble charity. She 
busied herself in her leisure moments in trying to ad- 
just to her well-founded hopes of fortune , the details- 
of a scheme for the protection of young girls thrown 
upon the world without means of support. Talma 
himself had declared his admiration of her genius and 
predicted opulence as its reward, and she was already 
rich when her simple wants were compared with the 
sums which the delighted Cenis had paid on her ac- 
count to the good Notary. In maturing this plan,, 
she had already consulted Causal, the Priest, and 
Madame Baudin, all of whom sympathized with her 
generous aspirations, and applauded her good inten- 
tions. And — such are the mysteries of life! — this- 
great revolution in her hopes and prospects had been 
wrought in a single month. Prom the night when 
she appeare(^ as Chimene to the hour of which wo 
speak, little more than four weeks had passed by the 
calendar ; but in emotions and results they had been 
years. 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


189 


During this time Lavoison had become an avowed 
suitor for the hand of the beautiful widow, and it was 
well understood that, in due season, she was to ex- 
change her weeds for orange blossoms. 

Desselais had been ill, even to the point of death, 
but had again emerged from his house in the Eue de 
Bivoli more reckless, if possible, than ever. 

Cenis was still engaged in praising Madelon and her 
tutor. 

The little Notary was busy in arranging the affairs 
of Madame Baudin, and his excellent wife, who, being 
childless, had ample room in heart, was happy in 
studying the happiness of the two fair women who 
had found a shelter beneath her roof. 

The clocks of Paris had tolled the hour of noon, the 
three ladies were together. They were interrupted 
in their languid talk by a gentle rap upon the door. 

Enter,” cried Madame Baudin, and in obedience 
to her command Monsieur Causal presented himself. 

“Welcome, my friend,” said the fair widow, rising 
and extending her hand, “welcome. You have come 
in good time, for I fear we made but a dull company.” 


190 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


Perhaps it may prove that I come in good time, 
as you say/' said the Notary, ^%r I am here to pro- 
pose an excursion to-morrow. The weather is glo- 
rious, and a day at the chateau would be a pleasure to- 
us all." 

It would be charming," cried Madame Baudin, 
^^but, then, we would be taking you away from your 
parchments and your papers ?" 

Not so," said the Notary. It happens that I 
have business there. To-morrow Monsieur Chatard 
makes me the last payment for the property. You 
are still entitled, under our agreement to the keeper's 
cottage, and that, as you know, is pretty and commo- 
dious. There we can have a charming day, and I 
know a learned Judge whose carriage I can command 
so that we may go in state. Decide, then, and answer; 
shall we spend to-morrow in the country?" 

“ Yes," cried Madelon, ^^yes, let us go ! I long for 
the trees, and the fields, and the river in the distance. 
Let us go and breathe the fresh air for one day, Julie.'^ 

So be it," said Madame Baudin, 'To-morrow, 
Monsieur Causal, we shall be at your command." 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


191 


Then/’ said the Notary, I will make my prepa- 
rations.” 

And I also,” cried his wife, “for we must make it 
a fete day.” 

Saying this she left the room, followed by Monsieur 
Causal. 

They had hardly withdrawn when Louison entered. 
“Mademoiselle,” she said, “Father Paul is in the 
salouy and awaits you.” 

Madelon rose and followed the girl, while Madame 
Baudin, left to herself, fell into a little dream of a day 
in the country, with the figure of Lavoison in the 
midst of her. pastoral romance. 

“ My good father,” said Madelon, as she held out 
her hands to the venerable priest, “ I am glad to see 
you. You have come to tell me of the tablet?” 

“Yes,” replied the old man. “ In a few days you 
shall inspect it. It is strong and simple — a type of 
the character of the dear friend whose virtues it will 
commemorate.” 

“Father,” said Madelon, and her voice trembled, 
“let the inscription be simple. Let it contain his 


192 


UNDER THE EMPIRE) 


name and rank, and let it say in modest words that he 
died like a brave man in the service of his country.” 

The tears came into her eyes ; her lips quivered ; 
she walked to a window ; when she turned the Priest 
was gone. 

Hardly had she regained her apartment when La- 
voison was announced as a visitor for Madame Baudin. 
The fair widow blushed over brow, and cheeks and 
neck as she joined her lover. 

Madame,” said he, have great news for you” — 

It must be pleasant, if I am to believe your face,” 
•she answered. 

You shall judge for yourself,” said Lavoison, his 
face radiant with smiles ; and he took the soft white 
hand of the widow in both his own while he told his 
story. 

, What Lavoison’s story was we leave untold ; but it 
is certain that he was very long in its narration. At 
last he left the house. Almost on the threshold he 
met Causal. 

Ah !” cried the Notary, ^^you are the man above 
all others whom I desired to see!” and forthwith he 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


193 


began to unfold his plans for the morrow s holiday, in 
which it was set down^that Lavoison was to make one 
of the little company at the keeper s cottage. Although 
engaged with their own affairs, they had leisure to 
observe the misadventure of a foot-passenger near 
them. He was a sharp-eyed, sharp-nosed fellow, 
only lacking a tail to make him an admirable rat, who 
had just dropped near them a package of small coins. 
These he now picked up with a murmuring commen- 
tary of oaths on his ill-fortune. Had they followed 
him they would have seen him accost Desselais in the 
garden of the Palais Eoyal. After a short conference 
they separated, and the wretched debauche plunged 
into a wine shop. 


CHAPTER XXV. 


UNDER THE TREES. 

^ Imagine an improvement on Monsieur Jourdain, 
and you have a good idea of Monsieur Chatard. He 
had not employed a master of philosophy, but he 
knew perfectly well that he spoke prose, still, both 
stupid and vain, he was generally pronounced an ass. 
But stupid as he was, he could not have been im- 
proved on by any Mamanouchi. He was enormously 
rich and aspired to social distinction. For this reason 
he had bought the chateau, and it was again the scene 
of as much gayety as in the days of the rich banker. 
The company which now thronged the chateau was of 
a different grade. The charm of Madame Baudin's 
beauty and wit had departed, and Chatard could 
hardly have assembled a stranger set of people than 
those who thronged his entertainments. He was sen- 
sible of this, and when by some happy chance a person 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 195 

of celebrity was among bis guests, be was as bappy as 
Monsieur Jourdain when be received tbe son of tbe 
Grand Turc, and was enrolled among tbe dignitaries 
of tbe Porte. Consumed by vulgar ambition, Cbatard 
was perpetually engaged in making improvements in 
bouse and grounds, and great sums bad already been 
expended in decorations witbin and embellishments 
without. For tbe first time be found himself the 
owner of a splendid mansion, followed by tbe re- 
tinue of a great man, and be surrendered himself to 
tbe intoxication of bis new position without reserve. 
But there was one thorn in bis bed of roses — one ob- 
trusive quill in bis pillow of down. He found that,, 
here and there, foot-paths bad been trodden through 
bis grounds. He was inflamed with violent anger at 
the discovery, and tbe walls surrounding the chateau 
were plackarded with notices threatening vengeance 
and tbe terrors of tbe law against all offenders. He 
affected to believe that bis domains were invaded by 
poachers. This flattered bis vanity, but tbe simple 
truth was Madame Baudin bad permitted a few poor 
people to gather fagots witbin tbe grounds, and they 


196 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


had left the foot-prints which disturbed the new pro- 
prietor. But Monsieur Chatard preferred to believe 
that the nearly extinct paths he had discovered were 
worn by dangerous marauders, and for want of better 
occupation fretted himself into a fever of annoyance 
over this trifle. At last a singularly happy idea, as 
^,he fancied, dawned upon his mind. On this he imme- 
diately acted, and therefore congratulated himself on 
the ingenuity of his contrivance. And to-day it so 
happened that, at the very hour when, with the sun 
already slanting towards the west, the little Notary’s 
party drove through the gateway. Monsieur Chatard 
was upon his terrace thinking over the arrangements 
he had made to protect his seigneurial rights and 
-dignity. 

^^Peste ! ” he cried, as he saw the carriage drive 
into his grounds and draw up at the keeper’s cottage. 
^‘Peste ! here we have the widow and her people. Let 
me see! Three women and two men. Mon Dieu, 
they have also a maid servant 1 and hampers and bas- 
ket I This is an invasion that I never bargained for.” 

He was right in his enumeration. The borrowed 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


197 ' 


carriage in which they came was of English make^. 
almost as big as a Lord Mayor’s coach, and commo- 
dious enough to admit the Notary’s company witli 
ease. This threw Chatard into a passion, and his pink 
face grew purple. As he said, he regarded it as an 
invasion, and his first thought was to declare as much 
in person. On a moment’s reflection he abandoned, 
this idea, but determined that as his appointment with 
Causal was three hours distant, that he would not 
grant him an interview until the very second named 
for that business, little thinking in his vanity that that 
good man had no desire to intrude upon him sooner. 
Feeling thus, Monsieur Chatard assumed the attitude 
of a Colossus, thrust his hands into the pockets of his 
embroidered coat, wrinkled his brow in a heavy frown,, 
and seemed to deliberate. Suddenly his face assumed 
an expression of relief. 

It is well,” he said, “that fellow is reading my 
proclamation,” and saying this he stalked away from, 
the terrace as majestically as his short legs would 
permit. 

It was true that Lavoison was examining, with no 


198 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


little amusement, one of Chatard's notices, whicli, 
"with singular bad taste, had been posted on a noble 
tree overhanging the cottage. This was so pompous 
in language, so daborate and barbarous in tone, that, 
like a witness who proves too much, it was of little 
value as a warning against danger to trespassers, for 
^ts threats were too cruel to be credible. In fact, it 
was an absurd document, and Lavoison read it with 
sparkling eyes, and rippling laughter. 

The keeper’s cottage had never before held such a 
•company. The fresh air had stimulated them; they 
were excited by the drive and scene. Madelon 
made a noble struggle to adapt herself to those about 
her, and enjoyed a serene pleasure in watching her 
cousin’s happiness. Never had that fair dame been 
so radiant, never so tender to Madelon, and she 
seemed to throb with joy as a star palpitates with 
light. Causal, and his good wife, Madame Baudin and 
Lavoison kept up a flow of talk which did not permit 
a shadow to hover over the little company. 

It is a fine thing,” said the Notary, “ to be 
esteemed in one’s profession, but I confess that half a 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


199 


day is not what I had promised myself; but, ladies, a 
marriage settlement could not be postponed.” 

At this speech, which referred to the cause of their 
detention that morning in Paris, the Notary smiled 
archly, Madame Baudin blushed, and Lavoison looked 
supremely happy. The Cottage was soon inspected. 
It was a picturesque building, surmounting a wooded 
eminence, and there they admired the familiar 
scenery, while Louison was busy in laying the table 
for the carefully considered dinner, the composition of 
which Madame Causal had directed with the zeal and 
taste of the true Frenchwoman. 

All good things come to an end. Louison had 
packed away the remains of the feast. The little com- 
pany had done it justice, and the Notary held up his 
glass, for the wine still remained on the table. Happy 
man was Causal when he proposed his sentiment, mis- 
erable was he the moment after. He looked around, 
smiling upon his companions, and said, thinking of 
Cenis, who, alas ! was sick : There is one absent” 

— his toast died upon his lips, for he saw Madelon 
turn pale and start. 


200 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


Madame Baudin became grave. Even Lavoison^ 
as the seamen say, was taken aback by the contre- 
temps. 

The Notary understood at a glance, but it was 
too late* to amend his blunder. The words were 
spoken, and a cloud settled on the company, for 
^jCausal’s speech brought up a sad and vivid picture of 
poor Marot. Thus situated, the Notary, who re- 
proached himself bitterly for his thoughtless speech,, 
was not long in attempting a diversion. 

“See,” he said, “the sun is towards the west. Our 
time draws to an end. I must pray you to excuse me 
while I settle an affair with Monsieur Chatard.” 

Thus speaking he hurried off toward the^ chateau 
to dance attendance for half an hour in the rich man’s 
anti-chamber. It was true as he had said : A flood of 
yellow glory streamed over the landscape. 

“It invites us to a walk,” said Lavoison, casting 
a rapid glance over the wide and tranquil scene, 
“ Come, let us enjoy our last moments under the 
trees.” 

Acting upon this invitation the company rose from 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


201 


the table, and, while Madame Causal busied herself 
with Louison in preparing for the return, Lavoison 
and the two young ladies sauntered down the winding 
roadway. 


( 13 ) 


CHAPTER XXVL 


FATE SUMS UP THE CASE. 

The Surgeon talked only too volubly. It was plain 
that he was pouring out this copious stream of words 
under compulsion. Madame Baudin was pained, and 
silent, for she saw a look of deep distress settle like a 
mask of stone on the face of her unhappy cousin. 
Gradually Madelon dropped behind the fair widow and 
Lavoison. Presently she took a narrow path, thickly 
shaded by trees and shrubs, planted with an art which 
made them resemble the wilds of the forest. She 
longed to be alone, and hurried under the friendly 
shadow of the interwoven branches. With this 
secluded path she had long been familiar, and mechan- 
ically followed its devious windings. Her hands were 
clasped before her, her eyes were cast down and her 
head bowed upon her bosom. She reproached herself 
for having attempted to appear cheerful amid the 
scenes associated with her love of the dead soldier ; 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 203 

and the reaction in her feelings was in proportion to 
the effort she had made to bring herself in harmony 
with her companions. For this she now said she had 
been punished by the unhappy suggestion which had 
fallen from the lips of Causal. She recoiled from her 
own image, as she saw herself in her mind, with a 
feeling akin to horror. Thus thinking, and with her 
emotions pictured upon her face, she slowly followed 
the yellow path, but took no note of the scene about 
her. The lights and shadows danced in vain beneath 
her feet, for her eyes were filled with reproachful 
tears that streamed without constraint down her pale 
cheeks, and the quiver of^er lips showed that a pas- 
sion of sobs was only held back by a strong effort of 
her will. Her brave spirit surrendered itself for the 
moment to sorrow, and forgetting all her noble dreams 
and high emotions, she longed only to be at rest. 
When the young and strong long for death, they must, 
indeed, be unhappy ! 

Suddenly Desselais crossed her path. His face fur- 
nished a curious study of mingled emotions, and his 
eyes glittered with a sinister light. As he beheld the 


204 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


tears upon Madelon’s cheeks the insolence of his deport- 
ment was subdued. He had pictured her as happy in 
her success, but the utter wretchedness of her face 
and attitude excited his amazement, and awed him 
into moderation. 

Madelon,” he said, in a hollow voice. At this- 
address she looked up, but neither started nor drew 
back. They confronted each other a moment in un- 
broken silence. She felt sorrow rather than alarm or 
anger, as she looked on the shattered wreck of the 
man who had so often thrown, a shadow across her 
life. As for Desselais a spell seemed upon him. His 
voice deserted him. He s^d abashed and tremulous 
in her presence. He tried to make himself ashamed 
of his sense of shame for his unmanly obtrusion upon 
her griel. As they stood they made a good tableau 
under the shadowy trees. An artist would have said 
he saw the evil genius of the tvood overawed by a 
chaste spirit from a better sphere. At last his eyes 
sunk under her steady gaze. Slowly, without a word, 
she turned upon her heel. The spell upon Desselais 
was broken. He cursed himself in his heart for his 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


205 


momentary weakness. He sprang forward, the mere 
act gave him new spirit, his face flushed, his eyes 
glittered, his jaws were set, and he looked his part 
thoroughly, for he was a dissolute and hardened 
villain. 

Hear me, proud woman !” he cried, in a voice 
hoarse with passion. Hear me you shall,” and he 
seized her arm, but she flung him off. “ Yes,” he 
cried, ^‘you shall listen. I am nearly mad. Nay, 
you shall not go !” 

Again he sprang forward with a savage laugh and 
outstretched arms. 

There was a blinding flash, a heavy detonation, and 
a cloud of white smoke enveloped them. 

Desselais staggered and fell with a deep groan 
against the trunk of a lofty chestnut, mortally wounded 
by one of Monsieur Ohatard’s cunning devices to pro- 
tect his grounds. Madelon lifted up her voice in a 
great cry. There came the sound of rapid feet, beat- 
ing and pattering along the path, with a sound that 
told of haste and terror. 

Madelon sank upon the grass. When she opened 


206 


UNDER THE EMPIRE; 


her eyes her head was pillowed on the lap of Madame 
Baudin, and she saw Lavoison kneeling beside the 
dying desperado. 

Desselais stared vacantly about him. He was 
slowly recovering from the prodigious shock which he 
had received. The group about him momentarily in- 
creased in numbers, for the alarm had been commu- 
nicated with wonderful rapidity from the wood to the 
cottage, from the cottage to the chateau. 

Mon Dieu !” cried the beautiful widow, this is 
terrible !” 

“ God ! God !” said the wounded and dying man, 
“ who speaks of God ? This is His judgment — if there 
be a God ; but only women and priests believe such 
tales.’^ 

And a ghastly sneer settled on his lips. Suddenly 
he raised himself-on his elbow, looked at Madelon, 
and cried out with something of generosity to gild his 
last moments : 

Behold I I brought this on myself. See there, 
that cord entangled with my foot ” — 

The blood gushed from his bosom and he fell back 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 207 

/ 

exhausted in the arms of Lavoison. It was as he had 
said. The cord which had pulled the trigger of Cha- 
tard’s heavily charged musketoon was tangled about 
his ankle, and the clumsy weapon itself, still reeking 
with smoke, visible where he had dragged it into view. 

Is there no hope asked Madame Baudin, in a 
voice in which pity and horror struggled for the 
mastery. “ Is there no hope ?” 

None,” said the Surgeon. ^^None; he is in the 
very articles of death. Withdraw with Madelon from 
this wretched scene.” 

It required no professional skill to discover that 
Desselais was dying. His face was of a deadly white. 
His frame shivered from head to feet. A bloody foam 
gathered about his lips. His breath came in broken 
sobs. He stretched out his arms. His eyes rolled hor- 
ribly, and then fixed themselves in a glassy stare. He 
struggled to rise and fell back dead in a pool of blood. 

The bold, bad man had gone to his account, slain 
in the very midst of a premeditated villainy. The 
little group about his body, from which the ladies had 
withdrawn at the bidding of Lavoison, was frozen into 


208 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


silence, and each new comer trod lightly as he ap- 
proached the tragic scene. 

Chatard, drawn thither by the outcry, and the 
vague report which had reached him, took one look • 
at the victim of his brutal ingenuity, and fled from 
the spot aghast. 

The Notary and Lavoison consigned the dead man 
to the crowd of servants who had gathered about the 
bloody spot, and hastened after the terrified women. 
These they hurried into their carriage, and in another 
moment were on their way back to Paris. 

The yellow sunshine was fading. A great purple 
cloud floated above the city, and a silence, not often 
broken, hung over the Notary and his companions. 
His fete had turned into a funeral. 

^^Mon Dieu!” said the good man to himself, with a 
shudder, ‘This has been a sad holiday.” 

Fortunately their horses seemed to devour the dis- 
tance. Causal’s friend not only had an English car- 
riage, but it was drawn by English bays of blood and 
mettle. The .coachman obeyed his instructions, and 
drove at a rapid pace. At the barrier there was a 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. 


209 


moment’s halt. Here the face of Father Paul, radiant 
with happiness, appeared at the window. 

Ah !” he cried, in a cheerlul voice — a voice so 
cheerful that it seemed almost a laugh — ^‘you are here 
at last ! And you have had a happy day ? I trust its 
end may be even more charming !” 

In answer to this Lavoison spoke a few words in a 
low voice to the priest, and then throwing open the 
door dismounted. Hurriedly he told his strange story 
to Father Paul, and then they seemed to debate a 
point between them. At the end of their discussion, 
Lavoison mounted upon the box beside the driver and 
the priest took his place in the carriage. The coach 
passed through the gateway, drove rapidly down a 
narrow street, and drew up at the desolate-looking 
yard of a stone-cutter. 

Here,” said Father Paul, getting out nimbly, 
^^here, Madelon, is something for your inspection.” 

She understood him and dismounted. She compre- 
hended that she was to see the tablet dedicated to the 
memory of her lover. 

The sun was setting, and the gloom of evening had 


210 


UNDER THE EMPIRE ; 


already gathered about the spot whose cheerless aspect 
was in harmony with her own feelings. Leaning upon 
the good priest’s arm, she crossed the yard and entered 
the main work-shop. It was deserted save by a soli- 
tary man who seemed to have lingered longer than 
his fellows. Her companion drew her to a sculptured 
monument, which shone pale and ghost-like in the 
fading light. 

Here,” said the priest, is the tablet.” “ And 
here,” said a tender voice, ^^is your Marot !” 

The young soldier stepped forward, and with a 
great cry of joy, Madelon threw herself upon his 
bosom and burst into a flood of happy tears. * * * 

Elba. Waterloo. St. Helena. These three words 
make up a grand history. That history has been 
written and the bloody volume closed. A group 
gathers on the terrace of the chateau. This, the 
wretched Chatard had sold, as he afterwards said, 
to the present owner, the little Notary, for a trifle. 
General Marot and his beautiful Madelon, Madame 
Lavoison and her husband, now famous in his profes- 
• sion. Causal and his wife are there. They listen to 


OR, THE STORY OF MADELON. . 


211 


Madame Marot, who tells in rapid words and in a tone 
of profound enthusiasm, how her school for girls has 
received a generous gift from the aged Cenis, and is 
flourishing in Paris under the special management of 
the good priest. As she speaks, the voices of happy 
children echo across the spreading lawns. The sun 
sets in the midst of purple and golden clouds. The 
tender stars gleam in the tranquil sky. One by one 
the lights disappear in the chateau. The terrace is 
deserted, and the- night winds mingle their voices 
with the plash of the fountain. 


212 


C. F. GREENWOOD & BRO., 

JEWEiE^a, 

No. 158 Main Street, Norfolk, Va. 


We respectfully invite the attention of the reader 
to the articles enumerated in the following pages, 
among which will be found a great variety of 

WATCHES. 

Our stock consists of a beautiful assortment of 
LADIES’ WATCHES, cased in 18 kt. Gold, plain 
(red or yellow), Engine-turned, Carved, Enameled, 
Carved and Enameled, in Hunting, half-Hunting, 
Open Face, Flat, Knurl edge, Louis XIV, XV, XVI, 
Jurgensen or Frodsham style. GENTS' WATCHES 
(with either three-quarter plate or bridge movements) 
and the largest and most varied assortment of fine 
Complicated Watches ever imported, among them the 
celebrated Tiffany Chronographs (at greatly reduced 
prices), which are very generally used as the most 
reliable for timing and scientific requirements. Split 
Seconds, Quarter Seconds, Fifth Seconds, Eepeaters, 
(Minute, Five Minute, and Quarter Hour), Calendars, 
Chronographs and Eepeaters combined, and many 
others never before imported. 

We are sole agents in this city for the sale of the 


213 


Tiffany Watches. These Watches are constucted upoo 
the most approved scientific principles, combining sim- 
plicity, strength, durability, and time-keeping quali- 
ties. The simplicity of construction renders them less 
liable to get out of order than more complicated 
Watches, and reduces the cost to the minimum at 
which Watches of the same grade can be produced. 

Dealers confined strictly to manufacturers’ prices. 


We are Agents for the GOEHAM MANUFAC- 
TUEING COMPANY’S 

PUKE STEELING SILYEE WAEE. . 


The production of this Company are not only of the 
highest grade manufactured in the present advanced 
state of the art, but their great facilities enable them 
to make at prices within the means of the closest 
buyers. 

The following are a few of the articles manufactured 
by them : 


Table Spoons, 
Dessert Spoons, 
Tea Spoons, 
Sugar Spoons, 
Pap Spoons, 
Salt Spoons, 
Egg Spoons, 


Oyster and Cream Ladles, 
Punch and Gravy Ladles, 
Ice Cream Sets, 

Pudding Sets, 

Condiment Sets, 
Combination Sets, 

Sugar Bowls, 


214 


Mustard Spoons, 
Preserve Spoons, 
Table Forks, 
Dessert Forks, 
Pickle Forks, 
Child’s Forks, 
Cake Knives, 

^ Butter Knives, 


Cream Jugs, 

Waiters, 

Pie Knives, 

Crumb Scrapers, ‘ 

Berry Scoops, 

Fish Knives and Forks, 
Salad Servers, 

Mugs and Goblets, 


Also a large variety of SILVEE. PLATED WAEE. 

JEWELET. 


Our stock of Jewelry of finest, medium and cheap- 
est quality, is always full, and new styles constantly 
being added. Our prices will be found as low as the 
lowest. 

Diamond Sets, Opera Chains, 

Pearl Full and Half Sets, Necklaces, Spiral and others 


Carbuncle Sets, 
Garnet Sets, 

Jet Sets, 

Etruscan Gold Sets, 
Coral Sets, 

Onyx or Pearl Sets, 
Jet and Pearl Sets, 
Box and Glass Sets, 
Friendship Eings, 
Diamond Eings, 


Handkerchief Holders, 
Glove Fasteners, 

Lockets, 

Chain and other Bracelets, 
Breast Pins for Hair or 
Picture, 

Scarf Pins, 

Hooks, Vest Bars, 

Eye Glass Pins, 

Charms. 


215 


HAIR JEWELRY. 

We have several books of designs, from which any 
desired article of hair made may be selected, and 
made to order at short notice durably, neatly, and at 
prices to suit. For anything in the Jewelry line 
don't fail to call at the old and responsible house of 
the undersigned. Our prices will be found as low as 
the lowest North. Strangers visiting the city and 
others are respectfully invited to call and look over 
our stock, thereby entailing no obligation to buy. 

SPECTACLES AHD EYE GLASSES 

Of every style and quality. Convex and Concave, in 
Gold, Silver, Steel, Plated, Shell and Eubber Frames. 
Also Green, Blue and Brown Glass Spectacles. Spec- 
tacle Glasses put in at short notice. Agents for the 
Diamond Spectacles. We pay strict attention to this 
part of the business. 

CUTLERY. 

Jacques Le Coultre's Eazors and Straps, 

Wade & Butcher’s Wostenholm and other Eazors, 
Pocket Knives, Table and Dessert Knives, 

Carvers, Steels, Eubber and Solid Handle Knives, 
Imported Pearl Handle Knives, &c., &c. 


216 


Fancy Goods, Musical Boxes, Card Cases, Card 
Stands, Glove and Handkerchief Cases, Jewel Cas- 
kets, &c., &c. 


WATCH KEPAIKING. 


We give this branch our strict personal attention^ 
assisted by the most skillful workmen to be procured 
in this country. 

All having Chronometers or Fine Watches which 
they wish to have properly cleaned, repaired and ad- 
justed, should leave them with us, and we will guar- 
antee to give satisfaction. 

Having one of the best Transit Instruments manu- 
factured, we are prepared to rate Chronometers by 
actual observation. 

Clocks repaired in best manner. 


JEWELRY REPAIRING. 


We have workshops over our store with all the 
tools and appliances to make and repair Jewelry, and 
have in our employ the most skillful jewelers. Jewelry 
and Silver ware repaired in the most workmanlike 
manner, at reasonable prices. 



158 Main Street, Norfolk, Va. 


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